Going through the process of getting a mortgage can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. It can feel complicated and unpredictable as you navigate the steps involved. But with proper planning and awareness, there are ways to make the process smooth and simple. We can help with applying for a real estate mortgage here in West Chester.
At Penn Street Mortgage, we pride ourselves on walking each client through the process of obtaining a real estate mortgage in West Chester and beyond. As you prepare to get a mortgage, here are some ways to make the process less stressful.
Work with an independent, local West Chester mortgage company
When shopping for a mortgage, there are a lot of options out there. However, there are key advantages to working with a local independent mortgage company over a big-box national lender.
Local lenders know the market and are able to guide you through the mortgage process in person. This allows you to build a relationship with your lender. By working one-on-one with a local expert, you’ll be able to get the best rates and personal customer service. Having an ally help you through the process can relieve stress.
Find a mortgage broker, not a direct lender
When shopping for a mortgage, you want to ensure you get the best rates across multiple financial institutions. You should work with a mortgage broker and not a direct lender to obtain your mortgage. A mortgage broker can shop around and act as the intermediary between you and the banks. This ensures you can find the best rate from all your options. They can also counsel you on your loan options to ensure you’re picking the one that best suits your financial situation. Direct lenders are the actual financial institutions that approve and finance the mortgage. So your options will be limited to that specific bank. They also generally operate online or have limited branch locations. You may have a have a harder time building a relationship like you would with a local mortgage broker.
If you’re looking for a real estate mortgage in West Chester, Penn Street Mortgage is a professional and expert group of mortgage brokers who can ensure you understand all your options as you apply for a mortgage.
Look closely at your budget
Getting a mortgage and buying a house is a major decision that will impact your finances for years to come. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure you understand your budget and what you can afford when shopping for a home. The best way to relieve some of the stress of home buying is to sit down and evaluate your current spending habits. Think how a mortgage will impact your personal finances. Knowledge is power when it comes to financial decisions like this!
It can be easy to fall into the trap of spending more or thinking you can afford a larger mortgage. Make sure you consider the maintenance and additional costs associated with owning a home. There are a lot of hidden costs that should be taken into account when looking at your budget and how much you can afford. Before getting a real estate mortgage in West Chester, talk with our team to understand how much you can afford and what we recommend for your financial situation.
Get your finances in order before real estate
Before diving headfirst into the home search, you should take some time to get your finances in order. Things can move fast during the process, and having your finances in tip-top shape beforehand can help alleviate the stress. This can include things like saving for a down payment or paying off any outstanding debts that could affect your ability to obtain a mortgage. Most conventional loans will require you to have at least 3% of the home purchase for a down payment. Then, there are additional closing and processing fees you can expect.
Get preapproved
A lot of the stress that comes with getting a mortgage is the uncertainty involved with the process. However, getting preapproved by a mortgage broker helps you understand your options and go into the process with more certainty. For approval, you’ll submit some basic financial information to your mortgage advisor, like information about your income, debt, employment history, and credit score. From there, you will be able to get a pre-approval letter stating you’re eligible to get a mortgage up to a certain dollar amount.
Getting preapproved makes the home buying process less stressful since your lender looks into your finances and determines how much you’re able to spend. Additionally, it’ll make the process quicker, saving you time when you get ready to make an offer on a home. Plus, sellers prefer accepting offers from buyers that have been preapproved, as it makes the deal less likely to fall through due to financing approval.
Be ready to respond quickly and communicate clearly
Things can move fast when you’re buying a home. From putting in an offer to submitting the appropriate paperwork, you’ll need to be ready to respond quickly to any questions or requests that your realtor or mortgage broker asks for. Once you enter the underwriting phase of your mortgage application, your lender will ask for a lot of documents ranging from pay stubs to bank statements. The quicker you’re able to send this information in, the smoother and less stressful the process will be. Make yourself available during the process so all parties can work together to move fast on your behalf.
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Buying a home should be an exciting — not stressful — process! At Penn Street Mortgage, we help our clients obtain real estate mortgages in West Chester and the surrounding market. We strive to find you the best rate and give you clear communication and the best customer service. Contact us today to get started.
You can reach us here: Contact Penn Street Mortgage in West Chester