So you’ve found a house that you love, and now it’s time to figure out the best mortgage rate for you. Finding financing is difficult enough during stable times. As interest rates begin to rise and the real estate market slows, now is the time to throw caution to the wind…or is it? These are five actionable steps to take to find the best mortgage rates out there from our Summerville real estate agency.
Shop Around
The first step in finding the best mortgage rate is shopping around. Don’t settle for just one lender or broker; compare quotes from several different lenders and brokers to get an idea of what rates are available. You can use online tools like mortgage calculators to compare quotes and see which one offers the best deal for you. Also, it is important to find someone you can trust to give you sound advice from day to day so that you know whether it is time to pull the trigger or wait it out.
Check Your Credit Score
Your credit score is an important factor when it comes to getting a good mortgage rate. Make sure you check and know your score before you start shopping around for mortgages so that you understand what kind of rate you can expect from lenders. Also, be sure to check your credit report for any errors that could be hurting your score and get them fixed before applying for a loan.
Consider Different Types of Loans
Once you’ve checked your credit score, it’s time to start looking into different types of loans. There are many different loans available, including mortgages, VA loans, FHA loans, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), jumbo loans, etc. Each type of loan has its own pros and cons, so make sure to do some research before making a decision.
Get Preapproved
Getting preapproved by a lender is a great way to show sellers that you are serious about buying a home. It also gives them assurance that they won’t have any trouble getting their money once the deal is closed. Preapproval will also help give you an idea of how much money you can borrow and what kind of interest rate you can expect on your loan.
Negotiate
The final step in finding the best mortgage rate is negotiating with lenders or brokers. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on rates or terms; they may be willing to work with you if they know that they have competition from other lenders or brokers who are willing to offer better terms or rates than they are offering currently.
Finding the best mortgage rate doesn't have to be overwhelming! By following these five steps—shopping around for quotes, checking your credit score, considering different types of loans, getting preapproved by a lender, and negotiating—you'll be well on your way toward securing the perfect mortgage rate for yourself as a new homebuyer!
So go ahead—start looking today! Financially, things are pretty uncertain and with interest rates on the rise, homes are getting less affordable. If you are looking to purchase the home of your dreams, now is the time to act. If you need help navigating your home purchase, let us be your guide. Contact our real estate in Summerville experts today!