Check your credit report before applying for a loan.It happens more often than it should. Not expecting any problems, people wait until they apply for a loan to check their credit reports. Then, they find out there is a problem and the issue would need to be cleared up before proceeding. If the answer is not available in a timely manner, the loan may not be closed or there may be a higher interest rate applied.
Questions on your credit report may take as long as 90 days to clear up. What’s the solution? The best way to avoid this situation is to visit with a professional mortgage broker and obtain your credit reports in advance. A review with a mortgage broker/banker who can provide access to multiple lenders, or make their own loans, can give you insights into your credit report and offer suggestions as to how you might strengthen your credit report prior to applying for a loan.
After your credit is secure, you can explore becoming pre-approved for a loan amount. This can provide you with additional leverage with a seller who knows that you have the ability to complete the sales transaction successfully.
Credit reports contain information on an estimated 190 million Americans. The report contains information on credit card accounts, including credit limits, outstanding balances, payment history (including late payments) or each account, current loans, bankruptcies, liens and civil judgments.
Nearly 40 percent of those complaining about their credit report do so on the basis of inaccurate information in the report.
The credit report also contains what is called a credit score. This score is a statistical probability that the borrower will default on the loan. The higher the score the less of a default possibility and the lower the credit score the greater the risk of default. Today, lenders are paying increasingly attention to your credit score and to the quality of your credit report.
To be prepared in today’s market, a consultation with your professional mortgage broker is a good, prudent step to take before applying for a loan.
Premiere Mortgage has offices on Maui and Kaua‘i and provides a wide range of services to the real estate community. Tricia Morris may be reached on Maui, in Kihei, at 874-8800, Wailea, at 891-8900, West Maui at 665-8800, on Kaua‘i at (808) 822-2300, or toll-free at (800) 813-7711.