With the economy in trouble and the declining housing market all over the news, it might surprise you that now is an excellent time to get a mortgage. However, if your credit is bad, you will likely not qualify. Borrowers with decent credit can get an excellent deal on a fixed-rate, 30-year conforming mortgage. To qualify, you’ll need a good FICO score, a reasonable debt burden, and proof of continuing income.
Mortgage rates will likely dip even lower in 2009, bringing up the question of whether it’s better to borrow now or wait for an even better rate. Mortgage experts tend to disagree on this issue. In simple terms: if you like to gamble, then wait. If you lose sleep at night fretting that rates will soon rise, then borrow now.
Here are some things to consider about the current mortgage market:
Comparison Shop, Especially Now
In a typical economy, one loan is pretty much the same as any other, since most interest rates on 30-year fixed loans are grouped within about a quarter of a percentage point. This is not so today. With the uncertain economy, lenders vary greatly in terms of how much risk they’re willing to assume in loaning money. This is why it’s important to shop around. You’ll want to keep checking often, since home loan rates are continually in flux.
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