Getting a Home Loan and Choosing a Lender

The American Bankers Association^® has developed a number of resources to help consumers become more informed about their housing options. This article is reprinted with permission from www.aba.com.

Know Your Own Financial Situation

Before you begin the home loan application process, determine what you can realistically afford.  Take into consideration your credit score, how much debt you currently carry and what type of down payment you are prepared to make.

Have your documents ready.
While each bank may require different documentation, you may be required to furnish the following information depending on your employment and financial situation:

·        ​Pay stubs

·        Tax returns

·        Financial statements (one that is less than 60 days old)

·        Copies of additional monthly payments such as car loans, credit cards, and student loans

·        Any other information (such as proof of additional income) that you think will help your banker to positively evaluate your credit request positively

Review the Basics

Knowing the fundamentals of the home loan process is an excellent way to prepare to choose the right mortgage. Make sure you are familiar with interest rates, loan terms and additional fees associated with buying a home.

Compare Quotes

Beyond the interest rates, there are closing fees and points and commissions. You will want to compare these for all the lenders on your list. There are several calculators available online that will help you determine which loan provides the best value, including these from ABA: (www.aba.com/aba/static/calculators.htm).

Choose a Trusted Lender

Get references from family and friends and do your research. Call your local Better Business Bureau and ask if it has had complaints about any of the lenders you are considering. Keep in mind, federally insured banks are required to operate under a high level of regulatory supervision. A fully regulated bank may be your best choice. To find a fully regulated bank in your area, use the FDIC’s BankFind webpage at http://research.fdic.gov/bankfind.

Read Between the Lines

Slick TV ads, telemarketers or door-to-door salespeople will often offer fast, easy loans for houses, cars and home repair, but not disclose all of the details. Read the fine print. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Ask Questions

When in doubt, ask for clarification from your lender. Discuss how long the loan process will take, how you will communicate – by phone or email, and who will service your loan.

Click here for more information about financing or refinancing a home through Nevada State Bank[cite::71::cite].  We’ve been helping Nevadans open the door to homeownership for nearly 60 years. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, looking for a fresh start, or ready to refinance, we can help.

American Bankers Association® is a registered trademark of American Bankers Association Non-Profit Corporation. Nevada State Bank does not claim any ownership or exclusive right to the use of this trademark. 

The information provided is presented for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal or business advice. Any views expressed in this article may not necessarily be those of Nevada State Bank, a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Member FDIC