Arizona home loans for
bad credit have gotten a bad reputation in the last 8 years and have been
blamed for causing the housing market crash of 2008. Knowing the ins and outs
of each loan type as well as any potential pitfalls can help borrowers with bad
credit make an informed decision and choose a responsible loan product.
In 2008, the housing market crashed. Foreclosures were up, home values
were down, and some notable lenders like Freddie Mac, Fanny Mae, and many banks
were accused of giving out predatory loans, selling bad loans, and even fraud.
New government regulations attempted to crack down on sub-prime lending and
keep consumers safe. However, many of these regulations effectively shut out
borrowers with credit scores of less than 700, making it impossible to get Arizona mortgage loans to purchase a
home.
Since 2008, many regulations and requirements have been loosened and
there is more flexibility in the lending market and sub-prime loans are making
a comeback. This is good news for borrowers with bad credit because it will
allow them to purchase a home. With various banks and other lenders giving out Arizona mortgage loans to borrowers
with credit scores as low as 500, the housing market has opened its doors to a
much wider and more diverse segment of the population.
With bad credit loans making a comeback, it is important to remember
that not all loans are created equal. If you are in the market for Arizona mortgage loans with bad credit,
understanding the terms of your loan as well as taking certain steps to help
mitigate risk factors will help you make sure that you are choosing a
legitimate loan and will not have your home foreclosed on.
Ways to Risk Less with a Arizona Bad Credit Loan
The first, and arguable most important way to minimize your risk is to
know the exact terms of your loan. Adjustable rate mortgages were blamed as a
major culprit of the foreclosure crisis. This is because after the initial term
of the loan, the interest rate on the mortgage increases and so does the
monthly payment, usually going fairly high. Many homeowners were unable to make
the new higher payment and could not refinance due to declining home values or
a bad credit score, so they were ultimately foreclosed on. An adjustable rate
mortgage is still a viable option for borrowers with bad credit, but make sure
you know the exact terms of the loan. Know your initial interest rate, when it
will adjust, and its lifetime cap for how high the interest rate can go. Make
sure that you will either be able to refinance before the rate adjusts or will
be able to make the new, higher payments. This will help minimize your
foreclosure risks.
Another way to help bad credit borrowers risk less is by having an
accurate appraisal before purchasing a property. If your home is worth less
than when you bought it, you will not be able to refinance even if you have
good credit. Although it is impossible to predict what home value trends will
do, you can help your investment retain its value by having an accurate
appraisal. Also, make sure that you work with a real estate agent who
understands market trends. A good realtor will steer you away from homes in
areas of town that traditionally lose value over time. Choosing the right home
is as important as choosing the right home loan.
Finally, you can reduce your risk of choosing a bad loan by working
with a mortgage broker. A broker who specializes in Arizona mortgage loans for bad credit borrowers can help you weigh
the pros and cons of multiple loan types to choose the most stable and least
risky loan for your situation. Your broker will also be able to help you
calculate current and future monthly payments and interest rates.
Do your homework and find the right Arizona Mortgage Broker.
Make sure that your broker has experience in bad credit lending and can
clearly explain any and all loan options to you. Also make sure that he
operates under a valid broker license and can give you the names of a few
different clients to use as references. Finding the right broker is an
important first step in the home loan process.
Your broker will be there to help you through the loan qualification
process from the initial application to being handed your keys.