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If you wish to purchase a new home or refinance your existing mortgage to get cash-out, but are worried as to whether or not you will qualify for a loan due to a poor credit history, do not despair…bad credit mortgage loans are available for people just like you.

Bad credit mortgage loans also known as sub-prime home loans are offered by select lenders who specialize in these type of mortgage loan programs. These lenders do not follow the same hard core guidelines as traditional banks and credit unions. Their guidelines allow for credit mishaps that are considered taboo with traditional home loan lenders. What this means for you, the borrower, is that when you apply for your home loan with a sub-prime mortgage lender you have a great chance of receiving loan approval despite the fact that you have a less than stellar credit history.

Bad credit mortgage loan lenders are actively seeking out people with credit problems and they have buckets of money to lend! Sub-prime mortgage loan programs are available for people who have the following type of derogatory items in their credit history: bankruptcy, foreclosure, judgments, late payments and collection accounts.

Depending on the severity of your credit problems, you more than likely will have to pay a higher interest rate with a bad credit sub-prime mortgage as opposed to a traditional conventional loan. Many people with bad credit obtain a bad credit mortgage loan and use this as a stepping stone to rebuilding their credit history. Then, after 2 – 3 years, once they have cleaned up and re-established their credit, they refinance to a lower rate conventional loan.

Not all lenders offer bad credit mortgage loans. Make sure the lender you are considering offers sub-prime mortgages before applying with them. You will save yourself time and keep unnecessary inquiries off of your credit report.

If you wish to purchase a new home or refinance your existing mortgage to get cash-out, but are worried as to whether or not you will qualify for a loan due to a poor credit history, do not despair…bad credit mortgage loans are available for people just like you.

Bad credit mortgage loans also known as sub-prime home loans are offered by select lenders who specialize in these type of mortgage loan programs. These lenders do not follow the same hard core guidelines as traditional banks and credit unions. Their guidelines allow for credit mishaps that are considered taboo with traditional home loan lenders. What this means for you, the borrower, is that when you apply for your home loan with a sub-prime mortgage lender you have a great chance of receiving loan approval despite the fact that you have a less than stellar credit history.

Bad credit mortgage loan lenders are actively seeking out people with credit problems and they have buckets of money to lend! Sub-prime mortgage loan programs are available for people who have the following type of derogatory items in their credit history: bankruptcy, foreclosure, judgments, late payments and collection accounts.

Depending on the severity of your credit problems, you more than likely will have to pay a higher interest rate with a bad credit sub-prime mortgage as opposed to a traditional conventional loan. Many people with bad credit obtain a bad credit mortgage loan and use this as a stepping stone to rebuilding their credit history. Then, after 2 – 3 years, once they have cleaned up and re-established their credit, they refinance to a lower rate conventional loan.

Not all lenders offer bad credit mortgage loans. Make sure the lender you are considering offers sub-prime mortgages before applying with them. You will save yourself time and keep unnecessary inquiries off of your credit report.

Sub-Prime Mortgage Loans – Five Ways To Lower Your Rates On A Sub-Prime Mortgage

Sub-prime mortgages dont mean you have to pay excessively high interest rates to buy a home. By taking time to do some research and pick the right terms, you can save thousands on your mortgage. The following five tips will help you get low rates with the right subprime lender.

Compare Lenders

The number one way to lower your interest rates on your sub-prime mortgage is to compare lenders before you apply. It sounds so simple, but too many homebuyers skip this step, costing them thousands.

Plan on taking at least a day to explore your options. The easiest way to look at financing packages is to request quotes online. While you are requesting quotes, take a look at conventional lenders as well. They often offer good rates and terms for those with adverse credit histories.

Pick An ARM

Adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) offer lower rates and are easier to qualify for than fixed rate mortgages. The drawback is that ARM rates can increase over the years. But if you are planning to move soon or just want to buy a home, then an ARM probably is your best choice.

You can also convert your ARM when your credit score improves. As property prices increase and your equity builds, you will also be able to get better terms in the future.

Increase Your Down Payment

By increasing your down payment, you can knock off up to a percentage point. Zero or little down financing is great for those short on cash, but rates are significantly higher. Ideally, you want to put down 25% to get the best rates. Just leave enough cash reserves to financing moving expenses.

Pay A Point Or Two

Points paid upfront can also lower your interest rate. You want to be sure though that you recoup the upfront costs. If you plan to move or refinance in a couple of years, you will not see the savings of lower rates.

You may also find that your money would be better spent on increasing your down payment than on paying points. With this type of decision, you will want to do some math with a mortgage calculator.

Bulk Up Cash Reserves

By increasing your cash reserves, you can also improve your credit score to qualify you for lower rates. Take advantage of tax refunds or cash bonuses by putting them into your savings. Lenders look at saving accounts, money markets, and CDs as cash reserves, not stocks or other volatile assets.

Sub-Prime Mortgage Loan – How Sub-Prime Loans Differ From Conventional Loans

Sub-prime mortgage loans offer more flexibility than their conventional mortgage loan cousins. With terms determined by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, conventional loans have strict guidelines on loan amounts, terms, and PMI requirements. With sub-prime mortgages, lenders can provide more choices with an increase in rates.

The Limits Of A Conventional Loan

Conventional loans are often sought for their low rates. But those low rates come with limitations. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae buy mortgages after they have been processed by a financial company. This frees up money for the lender to make more loans. However, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have tight guidelines on what types of loans they will purchase.

Among these limitations are caps on loan amounts. In 2006 the limits were set at $417,000 for a single family house. Every year these caps are reevaluated. Conventional home loans also require you to carry private mortgage insurance if you borrow more than 80% of the homes value.

To qualify for a conventional mortgage, you must have good credit, cash assets, and steady employment history.

The Options Of A Sub-Prime Loan

Sub-prime home loans provides financing for those with poor credit or unusual application terms. This can include jumbo loans, exceeding the limits of a conventional loan. People with unusual or unpredictable jobs may also find an easier time getting financing with a sub-prime lender.

Sub-prime mortgage terms are determined by the individual lender. So you can get a zero down loan with a poor credit score. You can also find near market rates by placing a large down payment at closing. Private mortgage insurance is not required with a sub-prime mortgage, potentially saving you hundreds a year in premium costs.

Getting The Right Mortgage For You

Most financing companies handle both types of loans, so you can easily get quotes for both types. To find the right mortgage, you have to take the time to crutch the numbers.

Look at the APR to determine the total cost of the loan. But also factor in any plans to move or refinance in the future. By turning over your home loan in a few years, you dont want to pay out large application fees for low rates that dont have time to save you money

Subprime Mortgage Lenders – Sub-Prime Loans Now Available Through Traditional Lenders

Sub-prime loans are becoming more readily available through traditional lenders. Even with a bankruptcy or foreclose in your credit history, you can still find financing for the purchase of your home. The key to sub-prime mortgages is to do your research and compare both terms and rates.

Your Credit History

A poor credit history doesnt have to send you running to sub-prime lenders. For one, you may still qualify for an A loan, reserved for people with good credit. If your bankruptcy was four or more years ago and you have established a good payment history since then, your FICO score is probably over 600, the requirement for an A loan.

Through FHA loan programs, you can apply for a loan after two years of a bankruptcy or foreclosure. VA loans also look more leniently on past credit problems. In the end, dont assume that because you have an adverse credit history you have to apply for the higher interest sub-prime loans.

Sub-prime Mortgages

If you find that you do have bad credit, you can still work with a traditional lender, who may offer you better interest rates. As financing companies expand their financing options, more and more companies are adding services for B, C, and D loans.

Sub-prime mortgages are based partly on your credit history, but largely on your mortgage or rent payment history. You will want to provide proof of your rent payments by sending copies of your rent receipts or checks. Mortgage payments can be verified through your credit report.

Sub-prime mortgages are just short term financing options. Once you have improved your credit history, you can refinance your mortgage for better rates.

Sub-prime Lenders

When you start your search for a sub-prime lender, include all lenders in your investigation. Request quotes from traditional lenders as well as those who specialize in poor credit financing. Compare everyones financing packages to find the best rates and terms.

Ideally, you want to find a low APR with no prepayment fees. Unless you plan to keep your mortgage for seven or more years, it is probably not worth paying points for lower rates. You may also find that an ARM will provide lower rates with more buying power than a fixed rate mortgage.

100% Financing Or No Down Payment & Bad Credit Mortgage Loans

Sub-prime lenders now offer financing packages with zero down. Interest rates are higher on these types of loans, but they make purchasing a house easier. And unlike a conventional loan, there is no private mortgage insurance required. There are two types of zero-down mortgage packages, each with their own requirements.

Types Of Zero-Down Loans

100% financing, as it names implies, offers complete financing of your property. The other option, 80/20, finances your mortgage with two loans. Both loans may be carried by your lender, but sometimes the seller or a second lender is required to carry the 20% mortgage.

100% financing is easier to deal with, but not all lenders will offer this type of home loan. 80/20 financing is more common, but takes some negotiation if the seller is involved.

Qualifications For Zero-Down

Each lender has their own criteria for determining who will qualify for a zero-down loan. Most sub-prime lenders require any bankruptcies or foreclosures to have been at least twelve months ago. A conventional loan requires these to be discharged two to four years ago.

While a credit score of 600 or higher is best, large cash reserves can also qualify you. Six to twelve months worth of cash reserves in the form of savings, money market, or other liquid assets are considered ideal.

If you choose 80/20 financing with the seller carrying the second mortgage, you can qualify with sub-prime lenders with a score of 560.

Zero-Down Sub-prime Lenders

You can find zero-down sub-prime mortgages with both conventional and niche sub-prime lenders. Make sure that you request quotes from as many mortgage lenders has possible to be sure you find the lowest rate and best terms.

You will also want to decide what type of mortgage you want. An ARM is easier to qualify for and has lower rates. A fixed rate mortgage offers the security of a constant interest rate over the life of your loan.

Typically an ARM will be a better deal if you plan to refinance within a couple of years. After you have improved your credit history, you can refinance for a conventional mortgage with low interest rates.

100% Financing Or No Down Payment & Bad Credit Mortgage Loans

Sub-prime lenders now offer financing packages with zero down. Interest rates are higher on these types of loans, but they make purchasing a house easier. And unlike a conventional loan, there is no private mortgage insurance required. There are two types of zero-down mortgage packages, each with their own requirements.

Types Of Zero-Down Loans

100% financing, as it names implies, offers complete financing of your property. The other option, 80/20, finances your mortgage with two loans. Both loans may be carried by your lender, but sometimes the seller or a second lender is required to carry the 20% mortgage.

100% financing is easier to deal with, but not all lenders will offer this type of home loan. 80/20 financing is more common, but takes some negotiation if the seller is involved.

Qualifications For Zero-Down

Each lender has their own criteria for determining who will qualify for a zero-down loan. Most sub-prime lenders require any bankruptcies or foreclosures to have been at least twelve months ago. A conventional loan requires these to be discharged two to four years ago.

While a credit score of 600 or higher is best, large cash reserves can also qualify you. Six to twelve months worth of cash reserves in the form of savings, money market, or other liquid assets are considered ideal.

If you choose 80/20 financing with the seller carrying the second mortgage, you can qualify with sub-prime lenders with a score of 560.

Zero-Down Sub-prime Lenders

You can find zero-down sub-prime mortgages with both conventional and niche sub-prime lenders. Make sure that you request quotes from as many mortgage lenders has possible to be sure you find the lowest rate and best terms.

You will also want to decide what type of mortgage you want. An ARM is easier to qualify for and has lower rates. A fixed rate mortgage offers the security of a constant interest rate over the life of your loan.

Typically an ARM will be a better deal if you plan to refinance within a couple of years. After you have improved your credit history, you can refinance for a conventional mortgage with low interest rates.