What Affects a Home Loan Applicant's Credit the Most?
January 10, 2022
Unlike buying a new vehicle, which begins depreciating as soon as you drive it off the lot, buying a home means anticipating more value from your investment and not less.
That is one reason why the process of applying for a home loan and getting approved can be so difficult when looking from the outside of the process.
The lender has to make sure the borrower is a good credit risk and there are financial benchmarks for doing just that.
Credit approval for any large loan depends a combination of factors. One factor is your employment history; those who haven’t been working very long (less than 24 months in many cases) have a much harder time getting loan approval than those who have a longer work history.
The nature of your income is another factor–if you earn commission, for example, you will be required to have earned those commissions for a minimum time period.
The same is true for contractors who have recently switched to contract-type work and self employed borrowers who also have recently made the jump.
And then there’s your credit report. Credit scores are NOT the sole determination of a borrower’s credit worthiness, as we’ve explored above. But your FICO scores ARE a very important part of that process, and if your credit scores are low your lender will have a hard time justifying the loan.
Working on your credit in advance of your home loan is the best way to get closer to home loan approval.
Credit reporting agencies such as Experian advise consumers that there are four factors that affect your credit scores. Experian ranks these factors from most to least influential (on your credit scores) on its official site as follows:
- Most influential: Payment history (paying bills on time)
- Highly influential: Age and type of credit (establishing a good mix of loan accounts); percent of credit limit used (avoiding “maxing out” cards)
- Moderately influential: Total balances and debt (limiting debt to what’s prudent)
- Less influential: Recent credit behavior and inquiries (applying for new credit); available credit (avoiding opening unneeded credit accounts)
------------------------------
RELATED VIDEOS:
What Is an FHA Loan?
Using an FHA Loan Calculator
Meeting FHA Loan Guidelines Improves Your Chances
FHA Loan Articles
December 10, 2024The FHA announced increased loan limits for 2025, providing those seeking FHA-insured mortgages after January 1st with increased purchasing power. In this article, we explore the key aspects of these limits and their implications for your homeownership goals.
When you are approved for an FHA-insured loan, the FHA guarantees a portion of the loan to the lender, lowering lender risk...
December 9, 2024The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) helps people buy homes, especially those buying for the first time or who might not have perfect credit. In 2025, there is good news for FHA borrowers. FHA home loan limits are going up.
In most places, the FHA loan limit for a single-family home in 2025 is $524,225. This is more than it was in 2024. However, in expensive areas, where houses cost more, the limit can be as high as $1,209,750.
December 5, 2024The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has some ground rules regarding cash-out refinances. These rules are designed to protect both you and the lender, ensuring you have enough ownership of your home and reducing the risk of foreclosure. How long must you own your home before you can apply for FHA cash-out refinancing?
December 4, 2024When you think about owning a farm, do you dream of vast landscapes and thriving agricultural enterprises? Or are you looking for a quaint farm-style house to live in but not necessarily to start a new farming career?
Borrowers who want to buy a farm residence are in luck with the FHA loan program, which includes options to purchase farm residences.
November 27, 2024If you are new to the home loan process, you may wonder how your loan officer will interpret your application data. How lenient is the lender with issues related to debt, credit utilization, and related factors? We examine some key points, but remember that what follows is not financial advice. Always consult a finance or tax professional for the most current information.
