Time and time again we get this question from some of our clients. “I read in the papers that the average rate for mortgages is _____%. Yet I am being quoted a higher rate than average. Why am I being asked to pay more?”
This is a very good question and one that deserves more than a “cryptic” answer. After all, your home is the most important investment and typically your largest payment. The rate you are charged directly affects that payment.
First, you must understand that the averages reported by major information sources such as Freddie Mac and BankRate.com will be based upon averages of those who have certain “personal” and “transactional” characteristics or variables. Each of these variables may affect the rate you will be asked to pay. In this report, we will explain many of these variables that can affect the rate and thus the payment of a home loan. It should also be noted that if you are paying mortgage insurance because of a down payment of less than 20% on a conventional loan, these variables will not only increase the rate on the home loan, but the cost of this insurance as well.
Personal Variables:
Credit Score. The most widely recognized and most important of all variables is tied to your credit score. Most applicants now understand that a poor credit record can affect the rate they pay. The higher the score the better and you may need a score of 720 or more in order to procure the lowest rate quote.
What can cause your score to be lower? Late payments, significant blemishes such as judgments or bankruptcies, too much credit or not enough credit and more. It is important to note that a low score does not only affect your mortgage rate, but can also affect your rate on credit cards, other loans and even insurance rates. Here is the good news: by working with someone knowledgeable such as your loan officer, you can raise your score and lower your quote.
Too many debts. If you are carrying too many debts, you may not only have a lower credit score, but also a high “debt- to-income” ratio. This high ratio may result in not being qualified for all loan programs. When choices are restricted, the choices that remain may result in a higher rate.
Not enough income. In the past, “no-income verification” programs solved the problem for many who had income but could not document that income for lenders. The financial crisis has caused most of these programs to go away and again limits choices to those which may allow higher debt-to-income ratios.
Want access to the full article written by Dave Hershman, the leading author for the industry? Sign up for a free trial of the OriginationPro Marketing System by Clicking Here and you will have access to hundreds of articles, newsletters, emails and more – personalized for you. These consumer articles will enable you to provide the ultimate added value to your referral sources, prospects and entire sphere.