NEWS RELEASE
May 28, 2009
ABA Media Contact: Jim Eberle
(202) 663-5477
E-mail: jeberle@aba.com

GETTING A GOOD LOAN IN A BUYERS' MARKET
ABA offers tips for getting the right mortgage

WASHINGTON – High inventories, long listing times and historically low interest rates make right now one of the best times to be a buyer in the housing market.

"Recent declines in home prices and mortgage rates have brought affordability into better alignment with income levels," said Diane Casey-Landry, chief operating officer of the American Bankers Association. "Even if the market were to lose some value from here, homeownership builds wealth over the long term."

Today, there are myriad choices that allow buyers to find a mortgage that best fits their pocket book and housing needs. To find the right product, the American Bankers Association recommends that buyers:

  • Figure out if you can afford to buy. Before buying a home, you should first decide if you can actually afford to buy. Your bank or online resources can provide a calculator to determine what you can afford. The ABA's calculator is available by clicking here.

  • Use a trusted institution. While federally insured banks are required to operate under a high level of regulatory supervision, many other lenders do not. Don't rely on a salesperson to tell you that he or she is trustworthy. Look for the FDIC logo or check with the Better Business Bureau and ask if there have been complaints filed against the lender.

  • Read between the lines. Slick TV ads, telemarketers or door-to-door salespeople will often offer fast, easy loans for houses, cars and home repair, but not disclose all of the details. Read the fine print to make sure what you're told is what you're getting. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

  • Organize your finances before you go to the bank. While each bank may require different documentation, at a minimum you will need:
    • Pay stubs.
    • Tax returns.
    • Financial statements (one that is less than 60 days old).
    • Copies of additional monthly payments such as car loans, credit cards, and student loans.
    • Any other information (such as proof of additional income) that you think will help your banker to evaluate your credit request positively.

  • Pay off or pay down other loans. Credit cards, auto loans or other small loans should be paid off or significantly paid down before you look for a mortgage. This will help increase your credit score and qualify you for a larger mortgage or lower interest rates. 

  • Consider all the costs. A lender will review costs like fees, closing costs, points, homeowner insurance, and taxes. But consumers should also consider repairs and maintenance costs. As a homeowner, you are responsible for those additional costs – there won't be a landlord to call.

  • When in doubt ask. Ask questions if there is something you may not understand, and seek trusted counsel from a banker, financial advisor, tax expert, or even a friend who's been through the process already.

Audio actualities
Diane Casey-Landry, chief operating officer of the American Bankers Association:
actuality #1 : Is this a good time to buy a home?
actuality #2 : FICO score

Mortgage tips: ABA National Homeownership Page


The American Bankers Association brings together banks of all sizes and charters into one association. ABA works to enhance the competitiveness of the nation's banking industry and strengthen America's economy and communities. Its members – the majority of which are banks with less than $125 million in assets – represent over 95 percent of the industry's $13.5 trillion in assets and employ over 2 million men and women.

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