Real Estate Innovation

Bad Credit Mortgage Refinancing

In the past applicants with poor credit could not qualify for a first mortgage loan. Mortgage companies refused to consider approving a loan to anyone with a poor rating. Applicants who already owned a home could not qualify for a mortgage refinance loan. Recently, increasing competition in the market has led to more options for people with a poor credit history.

Consult a mortgage advisor who specializes in applicants with low credit scores. There are fewer options available to applicants in this position, but an advisor is often aware of possibilities the average lender may not be aware of and may be able to direct you to a program that could work for you.

In addition, it helps to know what the mortgage company is going to base their decision on. Take advantage of your right to receive a free copy of your credit report every year - and don’t be taken in by companies who offer a “free” with a subscription to their service, they are absolutely unnecessary. By comparing your most recent credit report to those in the past, you will know if your credit is improving, remaining stable or getting worse.

Just because your credit rating is low does not take away the right to dispute information on your credit report that might not be accurate. Mistakes happen every day and by disputing those errors, your credit rating will often increase. Items on your credit report will no longer show up after a period about ten years (7 years in some countries). Bankruptcies will disappear over a similar time frame.

When speaking with a low credit mortgage advisor, you should be open and honest about your financial situation. Bad credit mortgage refinancing can be a tricky business. Your advisor will be able to help you effectively if they know exactly where you stand. You are at risk for losing the best possible mortgage refinance loan options and the advisor is there to help.

Discuss all options with your mortgage advisor. If you do not understand the information, ask them to clarify. Bad credit mortgage refinancing can be confusing. Never act like you understand something if you do not! You always have the right to decline signing on the dotted line.

Your individual credit situation will dictate your options to an extent, but bad credit does not mean you are without choices. Your interest rate will be higher than someone with good credit. Fixed rate mortgage refinancing loans are harder to get, but with adjustable rate mortgages (also called ARM) and hybrids you will find an option that works for you.

Final word: Don’t do anything you aren’t comfortable with. Trust your instincts and always read the fine print. If you are still confused, ask a trusted friend or family member to have a look and offer their opinion. You don’t have to make the decision alone.