Are you planning to buy a new home? Or is your current mortgage too high thanks to the slumping economy? Do you need to refinance or take on a second mortgage to complete work on your home? No matter what reason you have for seeking a mortgage, this article has what you need to know.

 

Know your credit score and keep unsavory mortgage lenders at bay. Some unscrupulous lenders will lie to you about your credit score, claiming it is lower than it actually is. They use this lie to justify charging you a higher interest rate on your mortgage. Knowing your credit score is protection from this fraud.

 

When considering the cost of your mortgage, also think about property taxes and homeowners insurance costs. Sometimes lenders will factor property taxes and insurance payments into your loan calculations but often they do not. You don't want to be surprised when the tax office sends a bill and you learn the cost of required insurance.

 

Make sure that all of your loans and other payments are up to date before you apply for a mortgage. Every delinquency you have is going to impact your credit score, so it is best to pay things off and have a solid payment history before you contact any lenders.

 

Know what the going interest rate is. This will help you know when to lock in an interest rate. Many mortgage companies offer to lock you into a particular interest rate for a period of 30 to 60 days. If the interest rates increase, you are protected. If they decline you can opt for the new interest rate.

 

Approach adjustable rate mortgages with caution. You may get a low rate for the first six months or so, but the rate can quickly increase to the current market rate. If the market rate goes up, your rate can go up as well. Just keep that in mind when you are considering that option.

 

Find out how much your mortgage broker will be making off of the transaction. Many times mortgage broker commissions are negotiable just like real estate agent commissions are negotiable. Get this information and writing and take the time to look over the fee schedule to ensure the items listed are correct.

 

Do your homework about any potential mortgage lenders before you sign an official contract with them. You may not be able to trust the lender's claims. Ask friends and neighbors. Check online or PDX Renovations - Portland, as well. Talk to your local Better Business Bureau. This will help you to gather important information about your potential lender so you can make a smart buying decision.

 

Make sure that you have a good amount of savings before you get yourself into a home mortgage contract. There are not certainties when it comes to the economy or job stability. To protect yourself you want to have enough money saved to make your payments for many months in case the worst does occur.

 

When you want to buy a new home, you'll have to find a mortgage you can afford. If your plan is refinancing or paying for renovations, you'll need to locate a mortgage which permits these uses. All of the tips in this article will help in either situation, so be sure to use them.