Does applying for a mortgage seem too complicated? Knowing
how your application will be evaluated will better equip you to evaluate your
financial strengths and weaknesses. Having all your documentations ready will
make the approval process much quicker and easier.
Lenders look at six factors when evaluating an application your identity, your income, debts, employment history, credit history, and the
value of the property.
YOUR IDENTITY
In order to protect against mortgage fraud, the lender or
their lawyer will require picture identification to ensure you are the
individual you represent yourself to be. In addition, you may be asked
questions regarding your credit history to verify information on record at the
credit bureaus.
YOUR INCOME
The lender will measure your income level against the amount
of the mortgage payments, property taxes and condo fees, to decide whether you
can comfortably afford a home. Your lender will compare your current housing
expenses to the expenses you’ll have if you buy a home. The smaller the
increase, the stronger your application looks. Usually a guideline of 30 per
cent of your pre tax income is used to determine your maximum payment level.
YOUR DEBTS
The lender will look at your debts, including your
anticipated house payments, as well as all loans, credit cards, child support
and any other payments that you make each month. The ratio of the payments on
these debts to your gross monthly income results in a total debt service ratio.
The generally accepted total debt service ratio for all housing and other
obligations is 42 per cent of your pre tax income.
YOUR EMPLOYMENT
HISTORY
Mortgage lenders are more likely to lend money readily to
people who have a history of steady employment. You will need to provide a
letter or pay stub from your employer and the lender may further verify your
employment by contacting your employer. If you are self employed or have been
at your job less than two years, they may ask for other documentation, such as
business financial statements or federal income tax returns.
YOUR CREDIT HISTORY
Good credit is very important in qualifying for a loan. A
mortgage lender will look at your credit record to see how well you’ve paid
your loans and other debts in the past. If you’ve never had a loan or credit
card, you can still demonstrate a good record by showing timely payments of
utility bills and rent. It’s a smart idea to review your own credit report and
score before applying for a loan. For a small fee, a credit bureau will provide
an instantaneous, complete online credit report and credit score that details
your current debts and payment history. They also detail what your score level
means, how you compare to others, and provide tips to improve your score. You
also may receive tour credit report (without the credit score) by mail for free
by contacting the credit bureau.
THE PROPERTY’S VALUE
When purchasing a property, you should be comfortable that
the price you are paying is reasonable and will be acceptable to the lender.
You can usually confirm the value is reasonable by obtaining an appraisal from
an accredited appraisal professional or from the Realtor who is representing
you in the purchase. Some purchasers may also obtain a property inspection to
confirm the property’s condition and identify any items that may require
repairs.
Lenders also tend to evaluate your application against the
following guideline:
- A housing expense ratio no greater that 35 per cent (the lower the ratio, the better)
- A debt-to-income ratio for all debts no greater than 42 per cent (the lower the ratio, the better)
- The home buyer has steady income ideally, the same job for two years or longer
- The home buyer had good credit (bills have been paid on time)
- The house is worth the price the buyer is paying
Always be an informed client.
For more information contact your Toronto Mortgage Broker at 416-920-9931
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