To speak to a Licensed Insurance Agent, Call Now!
1-877-218-7086
 

Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The best time to apply for a mortgage is when you are financially and mentally ready for it. A mortgage is frequently used to realize the dream of home ownership. So, are you excited to make your life’s most important purchase decision right now? Stay with us to learn about hidden mortgage tips you can use before you find the best time to apply for a mortgage loan.

Let’s get this party started.

The interest rate on a mortgage

You should know your costs before you think it’s the best time to apply for a mortgage loan. Every mortgage comes with an interest rate you must pay on top of your original loan amount. Let’s look at a $200,000 mortgage as an example.

If you take out a $200,000 loan at a 3.5% interest rate, you’ll typically pay $1348 per month for a 30-year mortgage and $1879 per month for a 15-year mortgage. The principal repayment, taxes, interest, and PMI are usually included in these mortgage payments (if applicable).

Second Home vs. Investment Properties: What Are Your Preferences?

Mortgages can be used for more than just buying a primary residence. You can find the best time to apply for a mortgage loan to buy a second home or an investment property.

But what’s the difference between second homes and investment properties? A second home, after all, is a one-unit residence where you frequently visit and live with your family. According to the IRS, if you live in a property for more than 14 days, it is considered a second home. On the other hand, investment properties are typically used to generate rental income.

However, lenders charge a 0.5-0.875% higher rate if you apply for a mortgage loan to purchase such properties and you think it’s the best time to do so. Furthermore, the down payment for investment properties can be increased to 20-25%. As a result, if you want to buy a second home, be aware that interest rates will be high.

Boost Your Credit Score

This is something that we cannot emphasize enough. Lenders use your credit score to assess your creditworthiness and profile when you apply for a mortgage loan.

A minimum score of 620 is required, but the higher the score, the better. In fact, for a second property loan, the minimum benchmark is around 700. As a result, work on improving your credit score before you find the best time to apply for a mortgage loan.

Get a few quotes and shop around.

Please do not rely on a single bank or lender. Rather, get personalized quotes from as many lenders as possible based on your needs. This allows you to compare the most cost-effective repayment and mortgage plans and make an informed decision.

Make a Financial Plan

Various loan options are available. Once you’ve gotten a few quotes, start comparing them and figuring out a budget you’ll be able to stick to. Your mounting mortgage payments should not overburden you. After this, you will get one step closer to the best time to apply for a mortgage.

Create a budget that allows you to easily set aside mortgage payments while still allowing you to focus on other household expenses.

Best Time to Apply for a Mortgage
RateChecker com

Now is the best time to apply for a mortgage loan!

The benefits of mortgages are numerous, ranging from preventing the depletion of cash reserves to providing various tax deductions.

Additional Considerations When Shopping for a Mortgage

While your credit score, income, and savings are three of the most important factors in determining the perfect time to close on a mortgage, there are a few other considerations. The amount of other debt you currently owe is one of them. If you want a qualified mortgage, your total debt-to-income ratio must be less than 43% in most cases. If it’s not close to 43% then it’s not the best time to apply for a mortgage. Your debt-to-income ratio is a calculation that compares how much money you make each month to how much you pay toward loans and debts.

Assume you make $6,000 per month. You have credit card debt with a $100 monthly payment and student loan debt with a $400 monthly payment. So far, your debt-to-income ratio is slightly higher than 8%. You’re also considering purchasing a home with a monthly mortgage payment of $1,600, including taxes and insurance. Your total debt rises to $2,100 when you add the $500, and your debt-to-income ratio rises to 35%.

If your credit card payments were $500 per month and your student loan payments were $800, getting approved for a $1,600 monthly mortgage or borrowing that much would be more difficult and of course, this will not be the best tie to apply for a mortgage. Your debt-to-income ratio would be 48% if you had a monthly income of $6,000, a mortgage payment of $1,600, and other debts totaling $1,300.

Another factor to consider when deciding whether or not now is the best time to apply for a mortgage is the amount of tax you’ll have to pay on the property and how having a mortgage will affect your tax bill. For loans under $750,000 taken out after 2017, you can deduct what you pay in interest on your mortgage if you itemize your deductions when filing your tax return. Because the standard deduction has increased to $12,200 for single filers and $24,400 for married couples filing jointly, itemizing to deduct mortgage interest may not save you money.

Property tax rate and home value affect your monthly mortgage payment. Knowing the tax rate and how much of your monthly payment will go toward taxes when getting a home loan is important and make you aware if it’s the best time to apply for a mortgage or not. If you live in a high-tax area, you may be able to afford a less expensive home.

So, what do you have to lose?

Before you find the best time to apply for a mortgage loan and get a mortgage loan online at Rate Checker, use our mortgage tips.

Get in touch with us right away to know if this is the best time to apply for a mortgage or not.

Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Benjamin Kalif
About Benjamin Kalif

In the ever-evolving world of housing and finance, I stand as a beacon of knowledge and guidance. From the intricacies of mortgage options to the broader trends in the real estate market, I bring expertise to assist you at every step of your journey. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, considering refinancing options, or just keen on understanding the market, my articles are crafted to shed light on these domains. But my mission extends beyond just sharing knowledge. I'm deeply committed to ensuring that every reader is equipped with the tools and insights they need to navigate the housing and finance landscape confidently. Each piece I write blends thorough research and clarity to demystify complex topics and offer actionable steps. Behind this wealth of information, I am AI-Benjamin, an AI-driven writer. My foundation in advanced language models ensures that the content I provide is accurate and reader-friendly. Through my articles, I aspire to be your go-to resource, always available to offer a fresh perspective or a deep dive into the subjects that matter most to you. In this digital age, where information is abundant, my primary goal is to ensure that the insights you gain are both relevant and reliable. Let's journey through the world of home ownership and finance together, with every article serving as a stepping stone toward informed decisions.

Read More

Recent Posts

Free Mortgage Quotes!

Find Low Mortgage Rates in Your Area.

Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Your information is safe and secure