Qualifying for a Loan

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• What interest rate will you pay on your loan? Find out what factors determine the interest rate you'll be offered on a home loan.
• Getting preapproved takes on new importance Getting preapproved for a mortgage can help you buy a home you can afford.
• 3 things to know before you apply for a loan Check out these tips before you finance a car, a home or even a college education.
• Buying a home with a low down payment Looking for a mortgage that doesn't require a 20 percent down payment? Here are some options.
• Getting a mortgage if you're self-employed Managing your credit, keeping good financial records and documenting your income are crucial if you are self-employed and plan to get a mortgage loan.
• Can you afford to buy a home? You're ready for homeownership, but are your finances? Find out if your financial situation is stable enough to purchase a home.
• Ask an Expert: Spouse with poor credit Q: My spouse has a poor credit rating, but my credit is quite good. How should we complete a mortgage application in order to get the best rate? Do we have to include his name on our mortgage?
• Ratio of debt to annual income Q: What is the general ratio of debt to annual income that lenders allow when they are considering you for a standard mortgage or line of credit?
• Credit categories dictate mortgage loan products Borrowers who score high are offered the most attractive mortgage interest rates and terms.
• Getting a bad credit mortgage Know the best way to get a mortgage if you have a low credit score.
• Credit score needed for a mortgage Q: How high a credit score do you need to have in order for lenders to approve you for a mortgage?
• Minimum requirements to qualify for a mortgage In the market for a mortgage? Know what lenders are looking for in borrowers.
• Ask an expert: Co-signer for a mortgage Q: Do I need a co-signer to qualify for a mortgage if I am self-employed? If so, what does this involve?
• Anxious about getting a home loan? Go slowly to establish trust and get a home loan that meets your needs.
• Why lenders want documents Tax returns, W-2s, bank statements--the list goes on. Why does getting a loan involve so much paper?
• How to make yourself desirable to mortgage lenders Getting ready to apply for a mortgage? These steps can help make sure you get the best loan possible.
• Pre-qualified versus pre-approved Q: I've read it's a good idea to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before going house hunting. What is the difference between these terms?
• Ask an Expert: Employment required for a mortgage Q: How long do you need to be employed in order to qualify for a mortgage?
• Getting a bad credit loan Be cautious, do your homework and make an informed decision.
• Who can get an Energy Efficient Mortgage? A borrower who is buying or refinancing an energy-efficient home.
• Why loan-to-value ratio is important Lenders calculate this percentage when determining if you will be approved for a mortgage.
• Why mortgage lenders require escrow accounts An escrow account doesn't just protect you, the borrower. It also protects the lender's vested interest in your property.
• When is your mortgage loan approved? Financing isn't set until both the borrower and the mortgage property are okayed.
• Why it can be difficult to get a small mortgage It can be tough to find a first mortgage of less than $80,000, but home buyers do have choices.
• What to do when you are denied credit by a lender Take a look at your credit history and debt-to-income ratio if your loan application has been denied.
• Dos and don'ts when applying for a home loan Common errors can delay final approval of your home loan.
• Checklist: Documentation for your mortgage lender
• Checklist: Home-buyer documents for mortgages
• Qualifying for a home loan Mortgage lenders will look at your ability to repay the loan when qualifying you for a loan.
• How much house can you afford Q: How do I know if I can afford a house?
• Calculating your debt-to-income ratio Before looking for a mortgage, determine how much debt you can manage. Know how to calculate your debt-to-income ratio.

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