The mortgage industry has really been through the wringer over the past few years. Home prices have fluctuated, sub-prime mortgages have come crashing down, and in general both lenders and borrowers alike have had a pretty rough time. In fact, if you follow the financial news, you may conclude that you should stay as far away from the mortgage industry as possible.
But, do not be fooled by the media hype: taking out a mortgage is still the only valid way to buy a home for the vast majority of people. The bottom line is Aussie Broker: you need a home loan if you want to own a home. In that sense, things have not changed very much from a few years ago.
And, for prospective homeowners – or those looking to move house – the age-old problem remains: how can you find the best-possible home loan companies who offer the lowest interest rates?
If you are looking for the best home loan companies, consider these answers to 3 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about home mortgage rates:
1. What factors determine what mortgage rate I will qualify for?
A: There are two primary factors that determine the particular home loan interest rate for which you will qualify:
a. the current average rates for the type of loan you want
b. your current credit score
Of course, you do not have any direct control over the current average mortgage loan interest rates. However, while you cannot just adjust your credit score up or down in an easy way, you can do certain things to improve your credit score over time.
2. How can I get a sense for what type of rate I may qualify for today?
A: The best way to dip your toe into the water of home loan interest rates is to simply apply for one. This does not mean you need to accept an offer today, but by applying for a loan you can get a sense for what rate you can qualify for right now. While there may be an application fee involved, this is peanuts compared to how much money you could save by shopping around with multiple lenders for even a half percentage point lower interest rate.
3. What is the best way to find the best home loan company in order to secure the lowest-possible mortgage rate?
A: Now that you have a baseline quote from one lender, you have in your hand a good reference point for the types of rates for which you can qualify. Next, you need to build a list of at least 3-5 mortgage lenders so that you can shop more rates. Research some online, then check them out by visiting their websites. Finally, as a cross-check, run a few simple searches for their names on online discussion boards to find out if people are talking favorably or unfavorably about them. Then, apply to those that check out.
Consider the answers to these frequently-asked-questions as you search for the best home loan companies who will offer you the most favorable rates.