Consumer tips for buying a home

With housing prices and mortgage interest rates at record lows, now is a good time to explore buying a home.

Buying a home is often the single largest investment that most Alaskans will make. An honest evaluation of your finances and thorough planning for a mortgage are essential to making a wise buying decision.

Nowadays, there are more obstacles to getting a mortgage, including higher credit score standards and closer reviews of applications. Preparation is key to navigating today’s market. In conjunction with the American Bankers Association, First National offers these tips to help households prepare for buying a home.

Review your finances

A detailed analysis of your financial situation is central to the decision to buy. Calculate all of your monthly expenses, in addition to your potential mortgage payment, homeowner’s insurance, taxes and condo fees.

Factor in other obligations like car payments, credit card debt and living expenses. Remember to budget for home maintenance costs. Aim to keep the mortgage payment and all other obligations below 40 percent of your monthly income and stay within your budget when considering homes.

Organize before going to the bank

Getting a loan requires a few different documents including, but not limited to, pay stubs, tax returns and financial statements that are less than 60 days old. Provide copies of additional monthly payments, such as car loans, credit cards and student loans.

You should also bring any additional information you think will help your banker positively evaluate your financial situation.

Check your credit score

Your credit history is an important factor when applying for a loan. Most lenders rely on the Fair Isaac Corporation credit score when reviewing your loan application.

The score reflects how well you manage your debt and is calculated using data from your credit report. A lower credit score will result in a higher interest rate on your loan.

If your score is too low, you may not be approved for a loan at that time.

There are a number of steps you can take to improve your credit score, including paying your bills on time, only opening lines of credit you need and keeping your credit card balances below half of your available credit.

To learn more and get information about improving your credit score, visit myfico.com.

Factor in closing costs

Once you have found a home within your budget and agreed on a purchase price, there will be costs associated with closing the sale. These costs can vary and will depend on the purchase price and whether a real estate attorney or title/escrow company will be involved in the transaction. By law, lenders are required to give you a written estimate of closing costs within three days of accepting your loan application.

Learn more about buying a home in Alaska at First National Bank Alaska’s online Home Loan Center FNBAlaskaHomes.com.

Monica Barton is the Mat-Su and Fairbanks Originating and Processing manager for the Mortgage Loan Division — Wasilla Branch of First National Bank Alaska.