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Get Your Credit In Order
Before you start home loan shopping, make sure your credit is in order. Even with poor credit, you should check for any errors in your credit report. You can also include a letter explaining the circumstances around a late payment or bankruptcy. Some lenders will adjust your credit score and rate if the information can be verified.
You may also want to request your credit score to see where you stand. A score of 600 or higher will get you accepted by most conventional lenders. You can pay to get your score with a reporting agency or receive it free as part of an introductory offer with a credit monitoring service.
Think About
Down Payment And Your Budget
Down payments can also improve your rates. For the lowest rates, put down 20% or more. Remember too, that you can tap into that cash with a home equity loan if you get in a pinch.
You should also look at your budget and see what you can afford for a house payment. Also include the cost of taxes, homeowners' insurance, and home repairs. With this number, you can determine how much you can afford to borrow.
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