Applying for a mortgage can be more involved than it first appears. Because of the recent global recession, credit is not as easy to obtain as it used to be. Credit agencies and banks are becoming far more strict with whom they lend money to. To get a mortgage, you have to make sure that your finances are in good standing and that you meet all the necessary requirements. Here are five aspects of applying for a mortgage that you need to know about when starting the process.

Check Your Official Credit Record

Your credit record is one of the first documents that lending agencies will access when accessing you as a credit risk. Often, you may think that you have a clear record only to discover that there are items listed against your name. Some of these items may be valid but often they are errors. By getting your credit report, you have the opportunity to check that all is in order. If anything shows up that shouldn’t, you have the opportunity to dispute the item and restore your good credit record. Credit ratings are also important to ensure that you get the best possible interest rate available. These ratings are reflected on your credit record. If you have a low score, the chances of getting a mortgage or favorable interest rate are pretty slim. If you make the effort to improve your credit score, you have a valuable bargaining tool in your hands.

Research the Mortgage Industry and Your Options

Many lending institutions will have quick calculators on their websites where you can estimate the value of the mortgage that you can qualify for. It is important to know this. The mortgage that you need or want to apply for may not be the same as what you qualify for. If this is the case, you will need to adjust your expectations. It’s also valuable to understand the different types of mortgages available. Some offer a fixed interest rate for the full period of the mortgage and others have the option of a market-related interest rate. Still others offer a low fixed interest rate for a set period of time, after which you will have to refinance. When you are looking at getting a mortgage, make the effort to familiarize yourself with the interest rates being offered by different institutions. In this way, when the time does come for you to apply, you will know if the rate they are offering you is a good one or not.

Figure out the Value of Your Mortgage and Homeowner’s Expenses

What many first-time buyers aren’t aware of is all the additional, almost hidden costs that come with taking out a mortgage. When you are working out what mortgage payments you can afford, you must be aware of and include all these additional aspects. Consider your homeowner’s insurance. This should include the cost of any additional life insurance policies that you have to take out to cover the value of the mortgage. You also need to find out about the local taxes that will be levied on your property. If you are purchasing a home in a complex or security estate, often there are additional security and maintenance taxes that you need to be aware of. Look into the average cost of utility bills in the area. Also check on lawyers and transfer fees which are also part of the purchasing process. It can be quite scary how all these various items add up.

Get a Pre-approved Mortgage

A pre-approved mortgage can be a valuable bargaining tool when you are shopping around to purchase your new home. One advantage is that it provides you with a budget to work towards. You know your price range and can shop accordingly. In addition, when you find something you like, you can use your pre-approved mortgage to help you negotiate the best possible deal with the buyer.

Shop Around for Rates

Don’t settle on just one bank or lending institution when applying for a mortgage. Find out what the different organizations are offering. Often if you qualify for a mortgage, you can negotiate a better deal between two or three different mortgage lenders. If you want to do this, you need to make sure you have a good credit rating and all your documentation in order. Also be familiar with what rates are being offered in the industry.

The Canadian Equity Group Inc was formed by a group of mortgage professionals in December of 2001 with the vision to expand the mortgage market and to be a front-runner with major banking institutions. We predict very soon that more than 75% of all mortgages in Canada will be placed through the services of a mortgage broker. If you want to find the best mortgage rates, visit us online today!