Subprime Loans

When you are considering becoming a home owner, you will need to start considering what type of mortgage loans to obtain when you are ready to purchase your new home. For some people, prime mortgages will be their choice, however, for many others they may only qualify for subprime loans. How do you know the difference between prime and subprime loans, and which one is right for you?

1. It All Depends On Your Credit

As with any lending situation, whether you qualify for prime or subprime loans depends primarily on your credit. Sure, the highway billboards, print ads, and commercials may all promise low mortgage rates, but these are prime rate offers, as you can tell from the disclaimers in fine print. If your credit score is low, then you may only be able to qualify for subprime loans to purchase that dream home. Subprime loans are mostly offered to people who have low credit scores and who would, otherwise, not qualify for traditional financing. In order for people to qualify for prime over subprime loans, the candidate must meet very stringent criteria or the loan application will be denied. It is the lending company�s way of protecting itself from the potential of non-payment and hassle of foreclosure.

2. Careful...

If a lending company does offer subprime loans to those who pose a higher risk of default, there are certain consequences associated with the subprime loans. Since default rates on subprime loans are high, many of these loans come with higher interest rates. The lower your credit score, the higher the rates will be on your subprime loans.

3. More options...

If you are considering subprime loans, you now have more options than before. You will find that many traditional mortgage companies have started to offer subprime loans, because more people are struggling with their credit. You can find many mortgage companies that offer subprime loans by going through a mortgage broker either in person or online. These brokers allow you to look at a number of lenders offering subprime loans in one sitting. The benefit of online mortgage brokers is that you can also avoid the sales pressure associated with traditional mortgage brokers when you look for subprime loans.

4. Shop around

No matter how you approach finding a broker for your subprime loans, you should shop around for subprime loans and rates. You should carefully consider each company offering you a quote, too. Check into a lending company�s financial rating to determine reliability and strength. Also, if you are considering getting subprime loans from any company, you should ask around and research customer service ratings. Also consider the long term relationship you will develop with any potential lender of subprime loans.

With subprime loans, home ownership is becoming more available to everybody, whether or not you have good credit. Understanding that you will have a higher interest rate, and thus a higher payment, with a subprime loan is important before you shop around. Work with a broker to shop around for the right subprime loans for you so that you find the right loan for your financial situation.