Start A Green File
A Green File should contain all of your important financial documents. Regardless of the loan type, lenders will need information about you. Make copies of financial statements; bank accounts, investments, credit cards, auto loans, recent pay stubs and two years’ tax returns.
Check Your Credit Rating
Credit scores range between 400 and 850. If you are looking for the best rates and the highest credit limits, you should aim for a credit score of 760, according to FICO.
Below you will find the contact information for the 3 major credit reporting agencies to help you determine your credit rating. Ask your lender how to improve your credit score if you need to. Going forward, treat your credit like gold.
- Equifax
- http://www.equifax.com
- (800) 685-1111
- Experian
- http://www.experian.com
- (800) 392-1122
- Trans Union
- http://www.transunion.com
- (800) 888-4213
What Is the Optimal Credit Score?
Credit scores range between 400 and 850. If you are looking for the best rates and the highest credit limits, you should aim for a credit score of 760, according to FICO.
Anything above a 760 is just going to be for bragging rights, since a score of 760 or above will get you the best rates and credit limits. Most businesses use similar cutoff points when determining your rate or credit limit. Say you have below a 700, you might be in a different bracket with higher rates than someone with a 705, so always make sure you are doing everything you can to keep your credit score as healthy as you can.
Savings & Debt
If you are buying real estate, try to accumulate funds towards your down payment, closing costs (appraisal, miscellaneous fees, escrow, title insurance, etc.) and expenses such as inspections. Furthermore, try to pay down existing revolving and high interest rate debt like credit cards.
Toe The Line
Now is not a good time to change careers, move your money around, or buy big ticket items. Lenders like stability. So if you are considering any major changes, it pays to meet with a lender and ask them how to proceed before you make any changes! If you are tempted to buy a big ticket item, consider the following:
| A $500 a month debt payment (like a credit card or auto loan) could lower the amount of home you can afford by about $83,000! * |
* Based on a 30 year mortgage at 6% interest.
