For a first time home buyer, applying online for a mortgage loan makes
the experience easy. You have plenty of time to compare rates and terms
to find the best financing for your situation. With just a few steps,
you can secure financing for your home with the lowest possible rates.
1. Select Your Terms
Mortgage terms affect both your interest rate and payment. With a large
amount of flexibility, lenders allow you to tailor your loan to fit
your budget needs. So if your goal is to purchase the most with your
income, look into an adjustable rate mortgage with initially low payments.
For security, fixed rates can also have reasonable rates. For even
lower rates, you can purchase reductions by paying points at closing. One
point equals one percent of the principle. Paying points is affective if
you keep your mortgage for at least seven years in order to recoup the
cost of buying the rate reduction.
The length of the loan will also affect your rates and payments. 15
year mortgage provides you with a cheaper loan, but payments are about a
third higher than a 30 year mortgage.
2. Research Your Lender
Even a difference of an eighth of a point in rates can save you
thousands of dollars. The easiest way to save money on your homes purchase is
by finding the lowest costing loan.
With online mortgage companies, in just a few minutes you can request
loan quotes without hurting your credit report. Every time a potential
creditor accesses your report, it temporarily hurts your score.
Rates are one way to evaluate loans. But closing costs can also add up
to thousands. Thats why the APR number is important. It gives you the
total cost of the loan. But if you plan to move or refinance, focus on
low closing costs rather than low rates.
3. Apply Online
When you have found the right lender, you can start your home loan
application online. Even if you havent found the right house, you can
still get pre-approved and lock in your rates.
With online financing companies, your paperwork is expressed mailed to
you. You complete the forms with a notarys seal. Working with your
real estate agent, escrow company, and seller, the date of sale can then
be finalized.
View our recommended
Mortgage Brokers Online.
Carrie Reeder owns ABC Loan Guide, an online resource with information about Mortgage Refinancing Online and Home Equity Line of Credit lenders.