How Do Mortgage Lenders Decide How Much You Can Borrow?

When it comes to buying a home, one of the most critical factors to consider is how much you can borrow through a mortgage. Mortgage lenders play a pivotal role in determining your borrowing capacity. We will delve into the intricacies of how mortgage lenders decide how much you can borrow. Your Income and Debt One of the primary factors that mortgage lenders consider is your income. They want to ensure that you have a steady source of income to make monthly mortgage payments. Generally, lenders prefer that your housing expenses do not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.…
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What Makes Up A PITI Mortgage Payment?

Many mortgage payments are made up of four parts, called PITI. PITI is an acronym that stands for principal, interest, tax, and insurance. It's important to understand PITI because it is the real number you need to use in order to find out how much mortgage you can afford to pay each month. One of the biggest mistakes first-time homebuyers make is using only the principal plus interest figure to calculate how much they'll be paying every month for their mortgage. Then, when the lender comes back and denies them, the prospective buyer is confused. Knowing and understanding PITI will…
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Avoiding Becoming House Poor: A Path to Financial Security and Balance

As the housing market continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly crucial for aspiring homeowners to tread carefully and avoid falling into the trap of being house poor. The dream of owning a home should not come at the expense of financial stability and overall well-being. Here are some essential tips to steer clear of this precarious situation: Setting a Sensible Budget: Before even considering purchasing a house, it's imperative to create a comprehensive budget that includes all your income, expenses, and financial goals. Be honest with yourself about what you can afford, considering not only the mortgage but also property…
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Critical Tips To Consider When Hiring A Home Contractor

Hiring a home contractor can be a daunting task, as the success of your home renovation or construction project depends largely on the competence of the contractor you choose. Here are some critical tips to consider when hiring a home contractor: Research: Do thorough research on potential contractors before hiring them. Check their credentials, licenses, certifications, and experience. Also, look for reviews and testimonials from past clients to get an idea of their work quality. Get multiple quotes: Request quotes from multiple contractors and compare them. This will give you an idea of the average cost of the project and…
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The Impact of Your Employment History on Mortgage Approval

When it comes to applying for a mortgage, lenders take various factors into account to determine your eligibility. One crucial aspect they consider is your employment history. Your employment history provides lenders with valuable insights into your financial stability, income consistency, and ability to repay the loan. Lenders evaluate your income consistency to ensure that you have a reliable source of funds to cover your mortgage payments. They typically request pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns to verify your income. If you have been in the same job or industry for a considerable period and have a consistent or…
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