How much of my past do I have to clean up before we try and get a loan for a home??

Princessmom
Other/Just Looking
88001

My ex-husband did not pay some of the debts that were under both our names and now he is deceased.

Answers (4)
Susan Blank
Agent
88001

Talk with a local lender that you feel comfortable with. Go on line to freecreditreport.com. Find out what is on it. If you have disbutes follow the prcedures set by the credit reporting companies. This is tedious and time consuming, but well worth the effort.

Thu Nov 5 2009, 09:19
Carl Topley
Agent
Las Cruces, NM

It is best that you address this question directly with a lender, as there are a number of factors that affect your borrowing capability. The biggest ones are your debt-to-income ratio and down-payment capability.

Terms and conditions can vary greatly from lender to lender, so it is a good idea to "shop around" a bit. By the same token when shopping, DO NOT authorize EVERY lender you speak with to pull your credit report because EACH inquiry can "ding' your credit rating.

If you have an established relationship in good standing with a lender, you might want to start there first. If you authorize them to check your credit, get them to tell you what your FICO score is and tell any subsequent lenders what that number is, (BUT AGAIN, DO NOT AUTHORIZE ANY LENDER TO DO A CREDIT RATING INQUIRY UNTIL YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH THEIR TERMS.)

Institutions that you have a history in good standing to begin with are a good place to start asking about your "purchase power", but it never hurts to "shop". Locally owned banks in your community often have better packages than the "National Franchises". Additionally, Mortgage Brokers can sometimes produce better loan terms on a mortgage, but their up-front fees can be higher. If you plan to stay in the home you purchase for a minimum of 5 years, sometimes the higher up-front fees can significantly off-set the interest paid over the term of your ownership. Everyone's financial posture and circumstance is different so the ONLY entity that can give you a "straight" answer is a lender.

If I can be of assistance please let me know. I am easy to find.

-Carl

Fri Jul 24 2009, 14:14
Lynn911.com Dal...
Agent
Dallas, TX

You need clear the credit up to the point you can qualify for a loan. FHA 620 credit score which is your mid score, 3.5% + as a down payment, 2 years employment, no judgements, tax liens.

National Featured Realtor and Consultant, Mortgage Loan Officer, Credit Repair Lecturer
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Lynn911

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Fri Jul 24 2009, 12:30
Bill Eckler-Flo...
Agent
Venice, FL
FIRST ANSWER

Have you met with a mortgage representative yet?

Our recommendation is to meet with a loan agent to find out how you presently stand and what you need to do to improve your credit rating.

Good luck

Fri Jul 24 2009, 12:21

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