John R. Wood Properties
Barry Dunleavy, John R. Wood PropertiesPhone: (239) 877-6445
Email: [email protected]

A basic guide to reviewing mortgage lenders

by Barry Dunleavy 11/05/2023

Factors to consider when reviewing mortgage lenders featured image

Before purchasing your home, you may find yourself searching in the market for mortgage loans. Finding a good mortgage lender can help you solidify the funding needed to secure a home and can help to simplify some aspects of the homebuying journey. 

How does a mortgage work?

So, what exactly is a mortgage? A mortgage is a loan with terms often ranging from 10 to 30 years in which a borrower is awarded financing to purchase a residential property. Monthly payments of a mortgage loan go towards the principal balance, mortgage insurance, property tax and interest rates. 

Tell me the minimum credit score required for a home loan?

On average, many mortgage lenders offering conventional loans require a credit score of at least 620 to demonstrate good credit history. Loan types such as FHA loans do allow borrowers to qualify with lower credit scores; however, this often comes with higher interest rates and a larger down payment requirement. 

If you’re in need of a larger mortgage, you may be considering applying for jumbo loans. Due to the higher amount of financing being borrowed, the average credit score needed to qualify for a jumbo loan is around 700. 

Review methodology

As you compare and review different mortgage lenders and loan types, there are a few great factors to consider to narrow down your search: 

  • Do they offer lower interest rates? 
  • Do they have good costume reviews regarding communication and integrity? 
  • What fees do they charge in connection with taking out a loan? 
  • Do they have local servicing? 

By reviewing your credit history and doing research on



About the Author
Author

Barry Dunleavy

Over 25 Years in the Real Estate Industry. Former Senior Managing Director with responsibility for oversight of real estate businesses in Canada and Latin America including CEO of Canadian-based bank; prior to that Sr. Managing Director Construction Financing to large residential builders throughout the USA. He has a BA and MBA in Finance. Memberships include the Naples Board of Realtors, Graduate Realtors Institute, Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, Florida Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. Community activities include New Horizons of Southwest Florida volunteer teaching math and reading to at-risk 3rd to 5th graders while being Chair of their 2016-2018 Golf Event and also involved with the Christian Businessmen's Connection. 2014 Awarded the Distinguished Volunteer for Collier County. He was a former Board of Governors of Hazeltine National Golf Club, host of the upcoming 2016 Ryder Cup Championship.