Tips on exploring mortgage loans to purchase a new home

SAN ANTONIO – The search for a new home is a long one, especially if you’re a first-time home buyer. With San Antonio’s increasing population, and after another record year for home sales in 2019, real estate is expected to continue to grow steadily in 2020.

Once you have gathered all the necessary information you need for the loan application process (Click here for part one of our homebuying series), you are now ready to start exploring mortgage loan options.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has some tips so that you can make an informed decision.

First, you need to learn about loan costs. There’s more to loans than just the interest rate and the monthly payment. The CFPB says mortgages are complex, and getting a better deal in one part of a mortgage often means paying more elsewhere, such as higher closing costs.

You should also understand the different types of loans that are available. Depending on your financial circumstances, you may want a 15-year loan with a fixed interest rate or a 30-year loan with an adjustable rate.

When you have a basic idea of what kinds of loans you want to consider, the CFPB says the next step is to start talking with lenders. You should contact several lenders, who may offer different options. You can ask questions with more detail to get a more definite sense of which loan will work best for you.

It’s also good time to gather and update your paperwork to make sure everything is good to go for your loan. You should ask lenders if there are any additional documents you may need.

The CFPB says when in doubt, gather the paperwork anyway. You should put everything in your loan application packet to make sure you have it when you apply for your mortgage loan.

The next step is to get a pre-qualification or pre-approval letter, which is a document from a lender that states that it is tentatively willing to lend you up to a certain amount. However, this is not a guaranteed loan offer just yet.

The CFPB says the pre-approval letter lets the seller know that you will likely be able to get financing. You usually need this letter before a seller accepts your offer on the house.

Finally, it’s time for you to select the loan that fits your needs. The bureau says choosing what kind of loan you want now will let you apply for the same type of loan with each lender you are considering. This will help you compare the offers you get.

For more information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on exploring loan options, click here.

WATCH ALL PARTS OF THE “MONEY: IT’S PERSONAL” HOME BUYING SERIES BELOW:

Part 1: What to do before you make an offer on a home

Part 2: Tips on exploring mortgage loans to purchase a new home

Part 3: How to compare mortgage loan offers

Part 4: Tips for navigating the closing process when buying a new home


About the Authors:

Ivan Herrera has worked as a journalist in San Antonio since 2016. His work for KSAT 12 and KSAT.com includes covering breaking news of the day, as well as producing Q&As and content for the "South Texas Pride" and "KSAT Money" series.

Valerie Gomez is lead video editor and graphic artist for KSAT Explains. She began her career in 2014 and has been with KSAT since 2017. She helped create KSAT’s first digital-only newscast in 2018, and her work on KSAT Explains and various specials have earned her a Gracie Award from the Alliance for Women in Media and multiple Emmy nominations.