How to Get a Mortgage in Indiana

Introduction

Are you ready to stop renting and start buying? The first step to purchasing a home is to get a home mortgage loan that fits your monthly budget. Here are a few things you should know about getting an Indiana home mortgage loan.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Obtain a recent credit report and review it for any mistakes so it doesn't affect your home loan application. This will also help figure how much of a loan you will need.

2

Step Two

Indiana has the "Indiana Predatory Lending Bill" that restricts certain lending practices deemed predatory (intentionally coercing consumers into contractual loans with unusually high payment terms and interest rates, often directed at uninformed borrowers or those with poor credit), and allows for punishment of businesses engaging in deceptive mortgage acts.

3

Step Three

Call, visit, or interview several lenders from institutions like banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers (individuals and agencies that arrange financing from a variety of lenders) and online mortgage lenders. Try to get the best rate and terms possible.

4

Step Four

Know that in Indiana, mortgage brokers are required to be licensed and carry a $25,000 surety bond, so seek proof of their license.

5

Step Five

Stay away from Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM). ARMs move the interest rate risk from the lender and onto you. If interest rates rise so will your mortgage payment. If interest rates fall, your payment will stay the same or decrease slightly.

6

Step Six

Think about getting homeownership assistance from Indiana or the federal government, and see if you qualify. There are programs in Indiana for rural home buyers, veterans, disabled, low-income buyers, single parents and senior citizens, such as the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority Down Payment Assistance and the American Dream Down payment Initiative.

7

Step Seven

Attain pre-approval from your desired lender. They will require several documents like tax returns, proof of employment and any investment information among others.

8

Step Eight

Use the services of a local real estate agent, and find the home that fits your budget and needs.

9

Step Nine

Finalize your mortgage loan after committing to a lender, and put a formal offer on a home.

10

Step Ten

Complete your home transaction by paying all closing and legal fees. The lenders will be sending you your first payment information shortly.