361.362.5007
832.646.7277
james@dirksgreentree
realty.com
General Mortgage Information

Five Major Areas of concern of a lender. To measure degree of risk lenders the use FNMA/FHLMC underwriting
standards.

Income-the lender researches how good and how long the income will last.  Quality/Quantity/Durability test.
The borrower must present two years employment history.  If self employed the lender will want to review 2 or 3
years income tax returns, profit and loss statements,credit reports and business plan.

Credit-a reputable credit reporting agency must verify the applicants past years of credit history.  Past and current
credit accounts, the amounts of credit issued and the pattern of repayment.

Net Worth-The underwriter must verify the applicants current assets including the course of funds being used for
any down payment and settlement costs.

Source of Funds-The "Request for verification of deposit form" verifies the borrowers resources for the down
payment.  The underwriter is primarily concerned with 1) Current balance and 20 Average balance for the previous
two months.

Debts-The debts, including the number of payments remaining, must be included in the loan application.
Mortgage Application Process

The mortgage application process requires considerable paperwork. First there is the application form, which asks for
detailed information about you, your employment record, the house you want to purchase, etc. The lender will need
documentation pertaining to your personal finances-your earnings, your monthly expenses, and your debts-to help
gauge your willingness and ability to repay the mortgage.
Lenders also will examine your file at the credit bureau to learn if you pay your bills on time. A lender may reject your
application if the report shows that you have a poor credit history. Thus, you may want to make sure your credit file is
accurate before you apply for your mortgage. You have a right to know what information is contained in your credit
report and to have someone from the credit bureau help you understand what the report says. The names of credit
bureaus can be found in the phone book.

You can prepare for questions about your financial condition by using the worksheets in this brochure. Worksheet 1
helps determine how much money you might have available for a monthly payment-just list all items of income and
payments required on debts that won’t be paid off within ten months. There’s also a place for the estimated mortgage
payment quoted by the lender.

To figure the mortgage payment, the lender will begin by asking how much you want to borrow. The maximum loan
amount will be determined by the value of the property and your personal financial condition. To estimate the value of
the property, the lender will ask a real estate appraiser to give an opinion about its value. The appraiser’s opinion can
be an important factor in determining whether you qualify for the size of mortgage you want. Lenders usually will lend
the borrower up to a certain percentage of the appraised value of the property, such as 80 or 90 percent, and will
expect a down payment making up the difference. If the appraisal is below the asking price of the home, the down
payment you planned to make and the amount the lender is willing to lend you may not be enough to cover the
purchase price. In that case, the lender may suggest a larger down payment to make up the difference between the
price of the house and its appraised value.

When looking at your projected mortgage payment and existing debt, some lenders might use ratios such as "28 and
36" to determine whether you qualify for the loan. These are commonly used ratios.

In the case of "28 and 36," the 28 refers to the percentage of your gross income (before taxes) that may be spent on
housing expenses, including principal and interest on the mortgage, real estate taxes, and insurance. The 36 refers to
the income that may be spent for payments on all your debts (including the mortgage): the monthly payments on your
outstanding debts, when added to the monthly housing expenses, may not exceed 36 percent of your gross income.
When you talk to a lender, find out what ratios will be used to evaluate your application. Then use Worksheet 2 to
calculate whether you are within the lender's guidelines.

Be prepared to provide certain documentation about your income (W2's for prior years and up-to-date pay stubs),
current debts (account number, outstanding balance, and creditor’s address for each), and the purchase contract for
the home you want to buy. When you file your application, ask the lender how long the approval process will take. The
time may vary depending on the complexity of your mortgage, current market conditions, and whether you have to
provide additional information. It’s common for a decision to be made within 30 days after the lender receives all the
necessary information. Applications for FHA or VA loans may take longer.

If your application is turned down, federal law requires the lender to tell you, in writing, the specific reasons for the
denial. Make sure you understand the reasons given--you may be able to find answers or alternatives that will satisfy
the institution’s lending standards. Even if that doesn't’t happen, understanding fully why the loan was denied may
improve your chances with the next lender you visit. Factors that may affect the loan decision include:

Down payment
Is your proposed down payment sufficient? If not, perhaps the lender offers other types of mortgages with lower
down-payment requirements.


Appraisal
Is the size of the mortgage you need too high, given the property’s appraised value? If similar houses in the
neighborhood have sold at prices comparable to yours, maybe the appraiser undervalued the property. Suggest that
the lender re-examine the appraisal. You also have the right to receive a copy of the appraisal if you have paid for it.

Credit history
Is the lender doubtful-because of your level of debt or credit history-about your ability to make the monthly payment?
Ask how your debt ratios compare to the lender’s standards. If there were special circumstances surrounding old
credit problems, ask for a chance to explain.
Dirks Greentree
Realty
“James worked constantly with
marketing our home and gave it
100%.  He was available 24/7.”
The Cruz Family
James Dirks
MORTGAGE INFO