Are you looking to buy a home or refinance your mortgage but feeling overwhelmed by the complicated process? Understanding different mortgage products and finding the best mortgage and lender can be challenging, but with the right information and tools, it can be made simple. In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to find the best mortgage and shop for it effectively.
Step 1: Find the Best Mortgage Product for You
There are different types of mortgages available, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some common types of mortgages include fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages, FHA loans, VA loans, and jumbo loans. To learn how to find the best mortgage for your needs, consider your financial situation, your goals, how long you think you'll stay in the home, and your appetite for risk.
Your financial situation affects the type of mortgage that may be available to you and the terms you are offered. Lenders typically consider factors such as your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, employment history, and savings when evaluating your mortgage application. A poor financial situation may lead to a higher interest rate, more rigid terms, or straight up denial of your application. While a poor financial situation may lead to more challenges in securing a mortgage, it does not mean that homeownership is out of reach. With proper financial planning it’s still possible to own the home of your dreams. Regardless of your financial background, understanding your financial situation is crucial to figuring out how to find the best mortgage that fits your needs.
Your goals will determine whether you want to pay off debt as quickly as possible or minimize your monthly payment. If you want to minimize your monthly payment, a thirty-year fixed-rate mortgage is usually the lowest monthly payment option. On the other hand, if you want to pay off the debt as quickly as possible, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) might be the best option for you.
The length of time you expect to stay in the home is also an important factor. If you plan to stay in the home for a long time, paying "points" to lower the interest rate might be a good option for you. If you plan to stay in the home for a short time, taking "credits" (upfront cash in return for paying a higher interest rate) might be a better option.
Step 2: Shop for the Best Price
Once you've chosen the right type of mortgage for you, it's time to shop for the best price. The price of a mortgage is more than just an interest rate. You're getting a loan (the mortgage) today in return for some upfront fees and ongoing monthly payments. This is worth repeating: The cost of a mortgage is not solely determined by the interest rate; other factors such as fees can significantly impact the overall price of a loan. The key to saving money lies in understanding the four components that make up the cost of your mortgage: ongoing costs, simple interest rate, points or credits, and upfront fees. By carefully examining each of these elements, you can make an informed decision that will save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Solve Finance’s mortgage optimizer calculator is a powerful tool that accounts for these components and more, and shows you how to find the best mortgage. Most importantly, it saves you money! It works by comparing your current quote on a mortgage to the prices of other lenders in the mortgage market. The tool then shows you the difference in upfront dollars between your existing quote and the market prices. This simple and user-friendly tool can help determine if you're paying too much for your mortgage and can give you the confidence to negotiate with your lender or broker for a better deal. Don't let yourself get ripped off – use the mortgage optimizer tool to make sure you're getting the best possible price on your mortgage!
Step 3: Negotiate
Just because you found a better mortgage option online using our mortgage optimizer calculator, it doesn't mean you have to stick with your existing lender. You can use the quote you received to negotiate with other lenders and potentially get an even better deal. This gives you the flexibility to explore your options and find the best mortgage for your financial situation. (Note: If you do decide to apply with a different lender, make sure to do so within 15 days of your first application to avoid any negative impact on your credit score).
Overall, finding the best mortgage product requires some research and shopping around. Understanding how to find the best mortgage is a difficult process, but by following the steps outlined in this article and using our mortgage optimizer tool, you can find the best mortgage for you and get the best price. Happy house hunting!