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While it can be said that lenders have varied criteria regarding their approval or denial of loans, there are common threads between each. We’ve compiled a handy list of actions and things to be aware of during your mortgage approval process. Gather Documentation Before applying for any type of mortgage loan, you can save time by gathering the necessary documentation beforehand. Any lending institution will have a list of required documents on their website, or they’ll have a toll-free number to call. It also helps to have a head start on documents that require some shipping or clerical work to acquire,... Read More

So you finally did it – you got the loan you needed to make the impossible possible, whatever your possible might be. But what happens now? Before doing anything, it’s a good idea to start thinking about how you’re going to repay this loan in as little time as possible. Because not having a plan (or not sticking to it) will cost you in the long run. If you’re finding yourself without a solid path forward, check out the tips below for quickly repaying loans in a way that won’t rack up extra expense. Relax First and foremost, take a deep... Read More

To understand the impact of loans on your credit score, we must first take a step back to understand the foundation of loans and credit. When someone borrows a loan, they agree to make a certain number of payments for a certain amount by a particular date each month. A credit score represents the amount of trust lenders have that someone will be able to repay their debts and financial obligations on time. A good, or higher, score suggests they are very timely with payments, whereas a bad score suggests they are not very trustworthy with repaying what is owed.... Read More

Even if you’re ready to sign the papers and close the deal on your new dream home, it’s important to make sure one more thing gets done: the home inspection. Why get a home inspection BEFORE buying the home? While it might seem like overkill, getting a home inspection performed can help you avoid five pretty major mistakes moving forward. Losing Leverage The information you learn during a home inspection can help make sure that you have leverage when negotiating a deal moving forward. If you didn’t know that information before, it becomes more difficult to get the deal that... Read More

If you’re a veteran, you’ve probably heard of VA loans. But do you know exactly what it takes to get one? And what the benefits are when you do? Here at Liberty Lending, we’ve got years of experience providing veterans in the St. Louis area with VA loans, so we know how to break it down. Here’s the formula for VA loans: Service Record + Credit Score + Income Level = No Down Payment, 100% Financing, and Great Fixed Rates Let’s explore how everything comes together. First, this is what goes into a VA loan. Service Record When applying for... Read More

When applying for a loan, it can be difficult to get the information that you need to narrow down your options. Even once you’ve determined the type of loan you need, such as a USDA loan, the questions about qualifications can seem endless. Here at Liberty Lending, we want to make the mortgage process as clear as possible. Our highly-trained consultants are always ready to have a conversation that can help you figure out what works for you. If you’re interested in a USDA loan, here’s how a conversation with us might go: Homebuyer: So I think I’m finally ready... Read More

If you’ve started looking into getting a mortgage, you’ve probably realized that it’s a lot of work. But that’s no reason to worry – that’s why mortgage brokers exist. Every day they’re helping people just like you make the most of their mortgage. But before picking a partner that can help you do the same, it’s important to get a few answers. Here are some questions to ask any potential mortgage broker before you sign the dotted line. What is the application process like? Applying is more than half the battle when it comes to getting a mortgage, so you... Read More

Finding the right kind of mortgage that works for you is one of the earliest and most important parts of the home buying process. Before you find the home of your dreams,  you need to figure out the best way to pay for it. Conventional loans and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are both common options, especially for first-time homebuyers. How do you decide which loan makes the most sense for you? Get started by understanding the differences between them so you can make the best choice for your financial future. Down Payment Both conventional and FHA loans require reasonable... Read More