Getting a Real Estate Mortgage in Today’s Distressed Market
Many prospective homebuyers are waking up to the fact that due to the mortgage collapse during the fall of 2008, getting a real estate mortgage has become much harder. Traditional banks have put the brakes on lending and are only giving real estate mortgages to people who have high credit scores and substantial down payments. Even then, banks are requiring a lot more from people, such as proof of job security which can put a damper on any real estate mortgage application.
If you are in the market for a real estate mortgage, the good news is that many banks and other institutions are still lending to people with high credit scores and can put down a substantial down payment. Banks and mortgage companies will look favorable on people who can put down at least 20% on the home purchase and have a credit score above 750. If you are in this range, and have a steady income, chances are you can still get approved for a mortgage.
Traditional lenders like banks may have put the brakes on mortgages for the time being, or they are requiring even more documentation than ever before. It is not uncommon now for banks and other lenders to request a letter from a person’s human resources department stating that they will likely keep their job in today’s economic climate. Be prepared for this because it is happening more and more. Many people have been turned down for a real estate mortgage because they could not guarantee job security.
While traditional banks may be making it harder to get a real estate mortgage, other financial institutions such as mortgage companies and even some government agencies are willing to provide financing if your financial house is in order. This is why it is so important to obtain a copy of your credit report and know where you stand before you apply for financing. Sometimes credit reports contain errors which can be corrected and can improve your chances of getting approved.
In today’s economic environment, it’s a good idea to cast a wide net when looking for a real estate mortgage. While traditional banks may be more shy to provide you financing, savings and loans, mortgage companies and even stock brokerages may be able to provide you with the financing you need.
In today’s distressed real estate market, finding a real estate mortgage may seem like trying to find a needle in a haystack. The process of getting a real estate mortgage may be more daunting and time consuming, but there is still money out there for the right buyer.






































