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Whether you are planning to purchase a home for the first time or refinance an existing mortgage, plan on comparing lending companies before you accept a financing offer if you have adverse credit history. Sub prime lenders specialize in offering loans to people who have a high-risk credit history. In return for accepting this risk, they charge higher rates and fees.
But not all sub prime lending companies offer competitive rates. Lenders can stack fees into the loan or charge excessively high interest rates, so it is best to compare financing offers.
Check Online
Mortgage websites offer a convenient and competitive way to gather financing quotes. Through such websites, lending companies know they are in direct competition with others, so they offer their best quote. You can also complete your loan application online once you have chosen a competitive offer.
Compare Rates
Interest rates can vary a couple of percents between lending companies. Over the lifetime of your loan that can add up to thousands of dollars. When comparing rates, make sure that you gave out the same information. Differences in loan amount, down payment, and income level affect rates.
Look At The Fees
Fees should be included in the price of the loan when you are comparing prices. Adverse credit will result in some fees, but they should not be excessive. You should expect to pay up to five points for most loans. There are always exceptions to this rule, but comparison shopping should give you an idea of what is reasonable.
Details Count
Once you have a competitive financing offer, be sure to read the terms. Some lending companies charge high fees for late or missed payments. While late fees are common, they should not be extreme. If you have any questions, contact the lending company and they will answer your questions.
Include A Down Payment
A down payment between 5% and 20% is usually required for people with a credit score less than 600. If you provided a down payment larger than the minimum, you can often get a better offer. In addition, a down payment of 20% or more will save you from the expense of PMI.
Time To Rebuild Credit
Depending on subprime mortgage lenders, you can be approved for a mortgage loan after two to three years of a foreclosure or bankruptcy. Within those three years, by making regular payments, you can end up having a good credit score.
If you simply have a poor credit score due to late payments, you will probably still qualify for a subprime mortgage. However, the longer period you have of on time payments, the better your score and rates will be.
Down Payments
Down payments reduce the risk for mortgage lenders. So with a FICO score of 600, you could apply for a zero down mortgage. A FICO score of 585 or higher will require at least 5% down.
Debt To Income Ratio
Another factor in subprime lending is your debt to income ratio. The amount you pay out for loans, like credit cards and car payment, are deducted from your income's buying power. The less debt you have, the more you can qualify to borrow. The less debt you have, also makes you more appealing to mortgage lenders, even with poor credit.
Cash Reserves
Subprime mortgage lenders also take a look at your cash reserves in determining your credit risk. Mortgage lenders like to see a minimum of two month's worth of payments in a savings account or bonds. A larger cash reserve will increase the likelihood of your mortgage loan's approval.
Be Your Own Advocate
Subprime mortgage lenders offer a service to people who would not otherwise qualify for a mortgage loan. But, you still need to be your own advocate and compare subprime lenders. Interest rates, fees, and terms vary widely in the financing industry, so research to find the best deal.
The internet allows for easy comparison of subprime mortgage brokers with instant quotes. You can also find better financing deals online, since Internet subprime lenders have lower overhead and personnel costs.