Here are some tips for home buyers looking for home loans.
Par V Swaminathan
A home loan is crucial for a home buyer. A home loan helps the buyer take advantage of their future finances or income and buy their dream home. In addition to improving the purchasing budget, a home loan also offers tax deduction benefits to borrowers. However, before you get started, it is very important to understand the important factors that can help you get a better mortgage deal. Here are some tips for home buyers looking to get home loans:
1. Check your credit score
When you apply for a loan, the first thing all lending institutions check is your credit score. Whether it’s your loan eligibility, the loan amount you can get, or the interest rate, it all depends on your credit score. Against an excellent credit rating, you can qualify for larger home loans at better interest rates. A credit score above 800 basis points is considered excellent. Credit institutions such as banks prefer loan seekers with good credit scores because these borrowers are seen as honest and worthy customers who will pay their credit on time. You can build and improve your credit score by paying off IMEs and credit card bills on time.
Once you have an idea of your credit score, make sure that all documents such as credentials, proof of address, income tax returns, payslips, bank statements, receipts employer, etc. are in place. If you have already finalized the property you want to buy, keep the documents relating to the property handy, such as the identity and address of the seller, the title deed, the map, the certificate of completion, etc.
2. Opt for a solidarity mortgage
There are different advantages and benefits of taking out a solidarity mortgage. When you add a co-applicant, your mortgage eligibility increases, as the lending institution will consider the income of all applicants when deciding the loan amount. A solidarity mortgage also allows all applicants to benefit from the advantages of the tax deduction against the repayment of the mortgage. Some banks even offer lower interest rates of up to 50 basis points if one of the applicants is female. In addition to these advantages, the responsibility for repaying the mortgage can be shared by both people if the loans were taken out jointly.
3. Buy low interest rates
Different banks offer different interest rates and are also willing to negotiate on them. Even a small reduction of 10 to 20 basis points can help you save a significant amount per month, especially in the long run. As a borrower, identify the best credit companies that charge the lowest interest rates. If the applicant purchases a property which is new construction and has pre-approved bankers to provide loans, then the buyer can qualify for such a loan as the lenders can process it quickly; they would already have many details of the property. Plus, the lender may offer lower interest rates than others may offer.
4. Browse the documents and read all the details
Credit institutions will ask you to sign a plethora of documents before disbursing your loan. Although it is difficult to read all of these documents carefully, try to go through as carefully as possible. Clauses written in fine print should be read carefully as they usually contain terms and conditions that may be contrary to the interests of the borrower.
5. Maximize down payment and minimize occupancy time
Typically, a minimum down payment of 20% is expected or must be paid by the borrower. However, financial prudence dictates that the borrower should try to pay 50-60% of the value of the property as a down payment and the remaining amount can be financed with a home loan. The larger the down payment, the lower the interest charge. In terms of duration, while many lenders offer long loan terms of up to 30 years for repayment; try to choose a term of no longer than 20 years. The reason is that over longer terms a borrower ends up paying a lot of interest on the loan and also faces a higher risk of interest rate volatility.
(The author is CEO, Andromeda & Apnapaisa)
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