Why Your Mortgage Approval Can Change When the Home Has an Accessory Dwelling Unit

An accessory dwelling unit can make a property especially appealing. A detached guest house, converted garage, basement apartment, or backyard unit might provide space for relatives, a home office, or potential rental income. But when you are financing the purchase, that additional living space can introduce questions that would not necessarily exist with a more traditional single-family home. The Property Has to Be Evaluated TooMortgage approval is not based solely on the borrower's income, credit, assets, and debts. The property securing the mortgage also has to meet applicable requirements. When an ADU is present, the lender and appraiser may need…
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Why the Money in Your Bank Account May Need a Paper Trail Before Closing

Having enough money in the bank is an important part of buying a home, but during the mortgage process, the amount in your account may not be the only consideration. In certain situations, lenders may also need to understand where funds came from. That can surprise buyers who assume that once money reaches their account, its history no longer matters. Mortgage Funds May Need to Be DocumentedDuring the mortgage process, buyers may provide bank or asset statements showing money available for the transaction.If an account contains certain recent deposits that are not easily explained by the documentation already provided, additional…
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Why Changing Jobs for More Money Can Still Complicate a Home Purchase

Getting a new job with a higher salary sounds like good financial news, especially when you are preparing to buy a home. But if the change happens while you are applying for a mortgage, the timing can create additional questions. Mortgage qualification is not based solely on how much you earn. Lenders also evaluate the stability, history, and documentation of the income being used to qualify.Higher Income Does Not Automatically Mean Easier ApprovalA substantial raise can strengthen a buyer's finances, but a new employment situation may need to be reviewed before that additional income can be used.The type of compensation…
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How a Seller Credit Can Change the Cash You Need Without Changing the Home’s Price

When buyers negotiate the purchase of a home, price often gets most of the attention. But the final sales price is not the only number that can affect how much money a buyer needs at closing. In some transactions, a seller credit can help with certain eligible closing expenses without requiring the seller to reduce the home's purchase price. What Is a Seller Credit?A seller credit, sometimes called a seller concession, is an amount the seller agrees to contribute toward certain buyer costs associated with the transaction. Depending on the mortgage program and transaction, eligible costs may include items such…
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