If you are a first time home buyer, this can be an exciting phase in your life. Of course, figuring out how to buy a home and qualify for a mortgage can also be stressful. Unless you can prepay in cash, you'll need to shop around for a home loan. While there are plenty of mortgage lenders for first-time home buyers to choose from, as well as a variety of loan products to consider, not all of them will be right for you.

Here are some tips on first-time homebuyer mortgage loans:

* Visit three to four mortgage lenders

As you begin the home buying process, you will find that there are many types of lenders (including national banks, local banks, credit unions, and government-approved lenders). You should interview at least three or four lenders to be able to compare your options and determine which offer works best for you. Consider bringing a list of questions to ask the mortgage lender, which will help you separate good lenders from unscrupulous lenders, First time home buyer maryland.

* Compare different types of mortgage loans

Generally speaking, most first-time homebuyers opt for a 15 or 30-year fixed mortgage (meaning the interest rate won't change for the life of the loan). While fixed mortgages offer predictable monthly payments and stability, there are other types of home loans to consider as well. It is recommended that you review the pros and cons of an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) as well as an interest only mortgage (I-O). As a first-time home buyer, you will have many questions about home loans. Feel free to ask the lender about their products and services, including advantages, disadvantages, and long-term effects.

* Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you go looking for a home

Mortgage pre-approval is a good way for a first-time home buyer to determine how much they can afford based on their financial situation (credit history, income, debt, employment, etc.). It also gives you buying power when looking for a home because it assures the seller that you can get the right financing. The last thing you want is to find the perfect home, and then find out that you can't get approved for a loan.

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As you begin the home buying process, you will find that there are many types of lenders (including national banks, local banks, credit unions, and government-approved lenders). You should interview at least three or four lenders to be able to compare your options and determine which offer works best for you. Consider bringing a list of questions to ask the mortgage lender, which will help you separate good lenders from unscrupulous lenders.