Does anyone know how great your credit has to be to get a mortgage? My credit isnt so great, I have about 6 really great lines of credit, but have about 5 paid collection accounts. My fiance has excellent credit. How will that affect us when purchasing a home? Any advice would be greatly appreciated
You need to obtain a free copy of The Home Buyers Guide offered by the Fanny May Foundation. Does anyone have the phone number? It's a great guide that will explain to you everything from your credit to obtaining financing. I believe that most everyone can obtain a mortgage, unfortunately, people with negative credit pay much higher interest rates and pay more out of their pockets at time of purchase. Work on your credit first, it may take a long time but you will save money in the long run. Also,I'm not sure if anyone else would agree with me on this but get married before you buy a house, I think approval's are made easier and should anything happen with the marriage, your home could be your asset. Call the Fanny May foundation, it will be your first step in the right direction. Good luck!
FNMA (Fannie Mae) guidelines usually allow for three years established credit since a bankruptcy or late payments/collection/ect. If your collection accounts are paid and are more than three years old and all other credit is good you shouldn't have a problem. Check with a mortgage broker and not a bank. For the cost of a credit report (usually $20 - 30 for a three file) most brokers will be able to let you know if you could qualify. Also, brokers are more flexible, banks seem to be more conservative when it comes to credit. Hey, you can qualify for a Fannie Mae loan with three years established credit after a bankruptcy, though most banks won't do it. Mortgage Brokers deal with several lenders and can be competitive on rates and credit. Hope this helps.
