Improve Your Credit Score To Get Better Mortgage Rates

For home buyers in Alpharetta and nationwide, credit scores can change low mortgage rates and alter home loan approvals.

Borrowers with high credit scores get access to lower mortgage rates, for example, and can find the mortgage approval process to be more smooth that borrowers with low credit scores.

If your credit score is low, here are some basic ways to help improve it. 

Get The Reports
Download an updated version of your credit report from each of the three major reporting bureaus -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The reports may mirror each other, but credit accounts -- especially derogatory ones -- sometimes don't appear on all three. Ordering reports from all three bureaus is a safety step. Note that the credit bureaus each use different scoring models so your credit scores will vary.

Check For Errors
Yes, credit reports can have errors in them. Should you find any items on any of the three credit reports which, in your opinion, do not belong or are erroneous, contact the credit bureau regarding removal. Errors on a credit report must be addressed with each bureau individually. 

Pay Up 
Or, rather, pay down. Be diligent about paying down your credit card balances in order to lower the percentage of your credit line(s) in use. In general, aim for a 30% ratio or less. An added benefit of paying down debt is that it can lower your total monthly debt load, which can increase your maximum home purchase price.

For items which are harming your score, such as a 30-day or 60-day mortgage late payments, medical collection items, and/or judgments, consider writing a brief letter which explains the circumstance of the derogatory credit event. Such a letter won't help your score to improve, but it can help your lender to make better credit decisions, which can aid in "exceptions", if required.

Making even minor changes to an overall credit profile can yield measurable long-term results. It can also result in lower mortgage rates.

Simple Tips To Keep Your FICO High

For today's home buyers and refinancing households, the value of "good credit" has never been higher.

Mortgage approvals hinge on your FICO score, as does your final mortgage pricing.

If you're shopping for a home in Georgia , therefore, or contemplating a refinance, be aware of how everyday credit behaviors can affect your FICO. Even small events can make a big impact.

Here are some common-sense steps to help improve your credit score.

First, keep a "cushion" on your credit cards.

30 percent of your credit score is linked to "Amount Owed" and a big part of Amount Owed is a raw calculation of (1) What you owe in dollar terms, against (2) How much credit you have at your disposal. The credit bureaus want to see at least 70% of your credit "available". 

If you can keep your cards at least 70% available, your credit scores should improve.

For example, if all of your credit cards give you access to a combined $50,000 and you are using $10,000 of that available credit, you have 80% of your credit available to you and this is "good".

Raise your balances to $30,000 and this is "bad".

Second, don't make major purchases on credit prior to making a mortgage application. This includes opening a store charge card to save 10 percent or more on a washer/dryer set, for example; or for any other appliance or furniture piece.

The reasons why are two-fold. One, store charge cards are often opened with a limit matching your initial charge, rendering them 100% utilized. This is bad for a FICO, as discussed above. And, two, opening a new charge cards has a negative FICO impact anyway.

Charge cards are associated with high default rates. 

Third, make all of your monthly payments on time -- even the ones in dispute. You may not want to pay that $80 wireless phone bill, for example; the one that you think you owe, but remember that Payment History accounts for 35% of your credit score. Even one late payment -- or payment in collection -- and your credit score can drop.

It's often less expensive to pay a bill in dispute than to be relegated to a higher mortgage rate. The payment is dispute is remedied today. The payment on that mortgage rate lasts for 30 years.

Quick Tips : Boost Your Credit Score For Better Mortgage Rates

Credit scores play a huge role in today's mortgage market -- larger than at any time in recent history. Blame it on the high default rates of the last half-decade. Lenders are reserving their lowest rates for the customers most likely to make on-time repayments.

Mortgage rates are at an all-time low in Georgia. However, the low rates you see advertised on TV and online are only available to the home buyers and would-be refinancers whose credit scores are pristine. Having a high credit score is often the difference between getting "the best rates" from your lender, and getting something worse.

The first part of improving your credit score is understanding how it works. In this 5-minute piece from NBC's The Today Show, you'll learn the basics :

• Why you shouldn't close a credit card after you pay off a large debt
• What is the maximize balance to leave on your credit cards, relative to your credit limit
• What types of credit checks harm your credit scores, and which ones don't

You'll also learn how to shop for a mortgage with multiple lenders without having your credit score "dinged", as well as several proven methods to raise your credit score quickly.

In the end, good credit scores are the result of paying bills on time and staying with your means. Those with the best scores, get the best rates.

Banks Start To Loosen Up In Underwriting

After a half-decade of tightening mortgage guidelines, banks are starting to "loosen up".

The Federal Reserve conducts a quarterly survey of its member banks and, last quarter, not a single responding bank reported having tightened its mortgage guidelines for prime borrowers.

A "prime borrower" is defined as one with a well-documented credit history, high credit scores, and a low debt-to-income ratio.

53 banks responded to the Fed's survey and none said that mortgage guidelines "tightened considerably" or "tightened somewhat" between September and December 2011; 50 said that guidelines remained "basicaly unchanged"; 3 said that guidelines "eased somewhat".

Mortgage applicants sometimes remark that the mortgage approval process can be challenging. Last quarter's Fed survey hints that looser standards are coming. 

Not since before the recession have banks lowered mortgage approval standards like this and it bodes well for this year's Marietta  housing market. Real estate agents report that 1 in 3 home sale contracts fail with "declined mortgage applications" as a leading cause.

Looser mortgage lending standards should mean more home loan approvals for buyers, and fewer contract cancellations. This can spur the housing market forward.

Make note, though. "Looser standards" should not be confused with "irresponsible standards". It remains more difficult to meet bank standards as compared to 5 years. Today's underwriters are more conservative with respect to household income, overall assets and credit scores. 

Even as compared to one year ago:

• Minimum credit score requirements are higher
• Downpayment/equity requirements are larger
• Maximum allowable debt-to-income ratios are lower

For buyers and refinancing households gaining approval, though, the reward is the lowest mortgage rates in a lifetime. Mortgage rates in Georgia continue to fall, helping home affordability reach new highs.

If you're in the market to buy a new home or refinance one, your timing is excellent.

This Holiday Season, Think Twice Before Saving 15 Percent At The Register

With Halloween behind us, retailers are in the Holiday Spirit. Businesses know that consumers spent a median $556 on holiday gifts last year and they want this year to be just as strong.

That's why it's barely November and, already, Black Friday ads clog our mailboxes and the airwaves. Retailers want our dollars and they're offering great deals to early shoppers.

There's one discount a smart shopper should think twice, however -- the ever-present "Open A Charge Card Today And Save 15%" promotion. In the short-term, deals like this will save money. 

Over the long-term, however, opening a charge card could cost you much, much more -- especially if you plan to refinance your home or buy a new one.

Applying for a charge card can lower your credit score up to 85 points.  

According to the myFICO.com website, as a category, "New Credit" accounts for 10% of your 850 possible credit points, comprising the following credit traits :

• Your number of recently opened accounts
• Your number of recent credit inquiries
• Time elapsed since your recent credit inquiries
• Your proportion of new accounts to all accounts

Each trait is a negative in the FICO-scoring credit algorithm which means that, with each in-store charge card application, your credit score is likely to fall. How far your score will fall depends on the rest of your credit profile.

Meanwhile, low FICO scores correlate to higher loan fees.

Using a real-life example, assuming 20% equity in a home, for either purchase or refinance, look how loan fees for a $200,000 conforming mortgage change by FICO score :

• 740 FICO : There will be no added loan costs
• 720 FICO : You'll have a 0.250% increase in loan costs, or $500
• 700 FICO : You'll have a 0.750% increase in loan costs, or $1,500
• 680 FICO : You'll have a 1.500% increase in loan costs, or $3,000
• 660 FICO : You'll have a 2.500% increase in loan costs, or $5,000

You can see first-hand how expensive low credit score can be -- much more costly than the 15% saved at the mall. That's why people planning to refinance to today's low rates and soon-to-be Atlanta homeowners, shouldn't rush to save 15% at the register. 

For people in want of a mortgage, high FICO scores are worth protecting.

Breaking News Georgia Will you miss your chance to get a new loan up to 125%? Program to end soon

Breaking News Loan up to 125% on the HARP or Home Affordable program set to expire June 2011

H.A.R.P. Home Affordable Program

The Home Affordable Program is designed for homeowners who pay their mortgage on time but are not able to refinance because they have little or no equity in their home. But hurry this program is set to expire and many lenders do not understand the program or are too busy with the REFI boom to help you close your loan.

We understand and can help see ATLrates.com or call 770-792-7979  or  Outside Atlanta call 1-800-792-0068

You must meet the following criteria to qualify for the Home Affordable Program:

1. Your current loan must have been sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.  To find out, contact your current loan servicer or visit: http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/loan_lookup.html
   
   
2. During the last 12 months, all of your mortgage payments must have been made within 30 days of the due date.
   
   
3. Your new loan amount may not exceed 125% of the current appraised value of your home. 

To view rates and obtain a good faith estimate for a Home Affordable refinance with ATLRATES.com.


Frequently Asked Questions

If I have a first and a second mortgage, do I still qualify?

As long as the balance due on the first mortgage is less than 125% of the value of the home, you may qualify.  The lender on the second would have to agree to subordinate their loan to the new first mortgage, thereby remaining in second position.

Can I get cash out to pay off debts?

No.  However, provided the new loan amount will not exceed 125% of the value of the home, you may include all closing costs in the new loan so you don’t have to come out of pocket with any cash.

If I’m delinquent on my mortgage, will I still qualify?

No.  Borrowers who are currently delinquent on their mortgage should contact their current lender/servicer and ask about a loan modification.

Will I need mortgage insurance?

If your existing loan does not have Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), it will not be required as part of your HARP refinance either. If your existing loan has PMI, your HARP refinance will also require it. PMI for this program will only be available through your existing PMI company.

Below are the HARP PMI guidelines of the major PMI companies:

HARP REFINANCE PMI GUIDELINES
Existing PMI Company	Refinance with New Lender	Refinance with Existing Lender
Genworth (Formerly GEMICO)	Max 105% LTV	Max 125% LTV
	45% Max DTI	Per AUS Approval
	New Premium	Same Premium
MGIC	Max 105% LTV	Max 125% LTV
	45% Max DTI	Per AUS Approval
	Same Premium	Same Premium
	.5% Upfront Fee
PMI	Max 125% LTV	Max 125% LTV
	Per AUS Approval	Per AUS Approval
	Same Premium	Same Premium
Radian	Max 105% LTV	Max 125% LTV
	45% Max DTI	Per AUS Approval
	New Premium	Same Premium
UGI	Not Available	Max 125% LTV
		55% Max DTI
		Same Premium
RMIC	Max 105% LTV	Max 125% LTV
	55% Max DTI (41% if Mtg payment increases)	No DTI Requirement
	New Premium	Same Premium

How long will the Home Affordable Program be available?

The program expires on June 30, 2011. Your refinance transaction must be closed and funded on or before that date.

Breaking News Loan up to 125% on the HARP or Home Affordable program set to expire June 2011

H.A.R.P. Home Affordable Program

The Home Affordable Program is designed for homeowners who pay their mortgage on time but are not able to refinance because they have little or no equity in their home. But hurry this program is set to expire and many lenders do not understand the program or are too busy with the REFI boom to help you close your loan.

We understand and can help see ATLrates.com or call 770-792-7979  or  Outside Atlanta call 1-800-792-0068

You must meet the following criteria to qualify for the Home Affordable Program:

1. Your current loan must have been sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.  To find out, contact your current loan servicer or visit: http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/loan_lookup.html
   
   
2. During the last 12 months, all of your mortgage payments must have been made within 30 days of the due date.
   
   
3. Your new loan amount may not exceed 125% of the current appraised value of your home. 

To view rates and obtain a good faith estimate for a Home Affordable refinance with ATLRATES.com.


Frequently Asked Questions

If I have a first and a second mortgage, do I still qualify?

As long as the balance due on the first mortgage is less than 125% of the value of the home, you may qualify.  The lender on the second would have to agree to subordinate their loan to the new first mortgage, thereby remaining in second position.

Can I get cash out to pay off debts?

No.  However, provided the new loan amount will not exceed 125% of the value of the home, you may include all closing costs in the new loan so you don’t have to come out of pocket with any cash.

If I’m delinquent on my mortgage, will I still qualify?

No.  Borrowers who are currently delinquent on their mortgage should contact their current lender/servicer and ask about a loan modification.

Will I need mortgage insurance?

If your existing loan does not have Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), it will not be required as part of your HARP refinance either. If your existing loan has PMI, your HARP refinance will also require it. PMI for this program will only be available through your existing PMI company.

Below are the HARP PMI guidelines of the major PMI companies:

HARP REFINANCE PMI GUIDELINES
Existing PMI Company	Refinance with New Lender	Refinance with Existing Lender
Genworth (Formerly GEMICO)	Max 105% LTV	Max 125% LTV
	45% Max DTI	Per AUS Approval
	New Premium	Same Premium
MGIC	Max 105% LTV	Max 125% LTV
	45% Max DTI	Per AUS Approval
	Same Premium	Same Premium
	.5% Upfront Fee
PMI	Max 125% LTV	Max 125% LTV
	Per AUS Approval	Per AUS Approval
	Same Premium	Same Premium
Radian	Max 105% LTV	Max 125% LTV
	45% Max DTI	Per AUS Approval
	New Premium	Same Premium
UGI	Not Available	Max 125% LTV
		55% Max DTI
		Same Premium
RMIC	Max 105% LTV	Max 125% LTV
	55% Max DTI (41% if Mtg payment increases)	No DTI Requirement
	New Premium	Same Premium

How long will the Home Affordable Program be available?

The program expires on June 30, 2011. Your refinance transaction must be closed and funded on or before that date.

Applying For A Mortgage Soon? Don't Open New Credit Cards On Black Friday.

Black Friday is 3 days away. It's the official start of the 2010 Holiday Shopping Season.

Sales are expected to top $111 billion this year and, already, businesses are vying for shoppers and their dollars. Newspaper circulars are getting larger, and in-store discounting is more prevalent.

But one discount that shoppers should think twice about is the popular "Open A Charge Card, Save 20%" promotion. The short-term savings may be tempting, but the long-term costs may be huge.

It's because of how credit scores work.

According to myFICO.com, "new credit" accounts for 85 out of 850 possible credit scoring points, with new credit defined by such traits as:

• Number of recently opened accounts
• Number of recent credit inquiries
• Time since recent credit inquiries
• Proportion of new accounts to all accounts

These traits are negatives against a FICO score so with each new, in-store credit card application, a person's credit score will fall. The fall will be especially pronounced for persons lacking credit "depth", or who have made a disproportionately large number of new credit applications recently.

For soon-to-be homeowners, or would-be refinancers in Kennesaw , credit scores are worth keeping high. This is because credit scores change the mortgage rates and/or loan fees for which an applicant is eligible.

As an illustration, assuming 20% equity on a $200,000 conforming loan:

• 740 FICO : No added loan costs
• 720 FICO : 0.250% increase in loan costs, or $500
• 700 FICO : 0.750% increase in loan costs, or $1,500
• 680 FICO : 1.500% increase in loan costs, or $3,000
• 660 FICO : 2.500% increase in loan costs, or $5,000

 

It's expensive to have a low credit score -- more expensive than the money saved by opening a card at the mall, anyway.

That said, if you know you won't need your credit for a mortgage within the next 6 months, the risk of applying for in-store credit cards is likely small. But if you'll need your FICO soon, consider paying for your gifts full price.

Better Credit Scores Get Better Mortgage Rates

This week marks the start of the Refi Boom's 7th month across Georgia ; rates have been falling since early-April 2010. Whether you're looking to refinance or buy a home, however, know that not everyone will qualify for today's low rates.

Mortgage approvals are primarily based on good income, good equity and strong credit, and, without all three, the best rates of the day remain out of reach. Now, you can't always ask for a raise and equity is a function of the housing market, but you can do something about your credit score.

In this 4-minute segment from NBC's The Today Show, you learn some credit basics to help propel your score higher:

• There's no "quick fix" for credit. Time + Good Credit Behavior = Better FICOs.
• Pay every bill when it comes due. Even one late payment can damage your score.
• Don't close old credit cards

Also among the segment's advice is to stop worrying about whether rates have bottomed. Refinance today if it makes financial sense. Then, if, by chance, rates fall in the future, just refinance again.  Don't be greedy, we're told.

Better Credit Scores Get Better Mortgage Rates

This week marks the start of the Refi Boom's 7th month; rates have been falling since early-April 2010. Whether you're looking to refinance or buy a home, however, know that not everyone will qualify for today's low rates.

Mortgage approvals are primarily based on good income, good equity and strong credit, and, without all three, the best rates of the day remain out of reach. Now, you can't always ask for a raise and equity is a function of the housing market, but you can do something about your credit score.

In this 4-minute segment from NBC's The Today Show, you learn some credit basics to help propel your score higher:

• There's no "quick fix" for credit. Time + Good Credit Behavior = Better FICOs.
• Pay every bill when it comes due. Even one late payment can damage your score.
• Don't close old credit cards

Also among the segment's advice is to stop worrying about whether rates have bottomed. Refinance today if it makes financial sense. Then, if, by chance, rates fall in the future, just refinance again.  Don't be greedy, we're told.

See How Credit Missteps Lower Your Credit Score

The company behind the popular FICO scoring model has published a "What If?" series for common, specific credit missteps.

If you've ever wondered how your credit score would be affected by a missed payment or a maxed-out credit card, now you can use a look-up guide to assess the probable damage.

As published by myFICO.com, here's a few common financial difficulties and how they affect FICO scores.

Max-Out A Credit Card

• Starting score of 780 : 25-45 point drop
• Starting score of 680 : 10-30 point drop

30-Day Delinquency

• Starting score of 780 : 90-110 point drop
• Starting score of 680 : 60-80 point drop

Foreclosure

• Starting score of 780 : 140-160 point drop
• Starting score of 680 : 85-105 point drop

Not surprisingly, the higher your starting score, the more each given difficulty can drop your FICO.  This is because credit scores are meant to predict the likelihood of a loan default. People with lower FICOs are already reflecting the effects of risky credit behavior.

Also worth noting that the above is just a guide -- your scores may fall by more -- or less -- depending on your individuak credit profile.  The number and type of credit accounts you hold, plus their respective payments and balances make up your complete credit history.

Read the complete report at myFICO.com.