Getting a Mortgage with Bad Credit: Is it Doable?

Improper decisions in the past generally lead to bad credit. One starts assuming that all his luxurious dreams are shattered. But this is an illusion and it may not be the case. More and more lenders are opening the door to those that have poor credit because they think they deserve a second chance. Do not get disheartened if your neighbor gets a mortgage easily. He has an excellent credit. But you can still get one for yourself.

Mortgages and Bad Credit

Twenty years ago those with bad credit would be hard pressed to be approved for a mortgage loan. Unlike in those days, today, this is a common sight as lenders have made their rules and regulations pretty friendly in order to reach out to a wider audience. But with bad credit, you may still have a tough time finding a lender. Knowing what exactly to expect makes this process much easier than otherwise.

To begin with, a lot of people will decline your offer before you find the appropriate lender. When you apply for a loan there are going to be several things that you will need which include: your name, your address, your social security or tax payer identification number, as well as your last tax return.

A proof of your bank account may also be needed, but it depends on the lender. Since you have bad credit you may also be asked to get some additional references. You will be able to obtain letters of credit or reference from most utilities, which will basically state that you are a customer and you pay your bill. You may also be able to obtain a letter of reference from your school provided you have loans with them. Personal references of people who have lent you money in the past can also be submitted.

According to my experience, people with bad credit may get approved for a mortgage on their own. But to strengthen the case further you could ask someone to co-sign with you. A co-signer is allowing for you to borrow their credit score to help you get approved for the loan. While this seems like a simple answer, you need to remember that if you default on your mortgage you are not only hurting your credit, but the credit of your co-signer. Hence, be sure to discuss this issue at length with the person you are asking to co-signing on the loan.

Although a person may have bad credit, down payment is another way to obtain mortgage loan. Sometimes you will need to have as much as 15 to 20% of the sales price to put down on the home. This shows the lender that you are serious about keeping the home and when they know that you have invested they assume that you will keep your end of the deal by making timely monthly payments.

A better rate of rate of interest can be secured when a person has either a co-signer or a down payment than if he does not have either of these. If you don't have a co-signer and you need a loan for 100% of the purchase price you can expect for your interest rate to be as much as 5% higher than the average.

By: Ajeet Khurana