nt higher than the 20% average (say, 25% or 30%), you could qualify for a mortgage loan that doesn't require income verification. Just realize you'll probably pay a higher interest rate with this type of loan. A final option would be to get a co-signer, such as a parent or other relative ... somebody with good credit standing and favorable debt-to-income ratio.

Problem #3 - Low Credit Score
Credit scores range from 300 to 850, with 850 being the best. The hi

If you plan to buy a home in the near future, you will likely be applying for a mortgage as well. After all, home buying and mortgage loans go hand in hand (unless you've just won the lottery).

The key to a smooth mortgage application process is to understand the most common mortgage problems, and then work hard to avoid them. So what are these common problems when applying for a mortgage, and what can you do to steer clear of them?

Problem #1 - Too Much Debt
When you apply for a mortgage loan, the lender will check your debt-to-income ratio. Basically, they will want to see how much money you make (next item) compared to how much you owe. The rule of thumb is 20%. Mortgage lenders prefer that your overall debt be no greater than 20% of your net income. If your debt is too high as compared to your income, it sends a signal that you cannot mange your finances. This can hurt your chances of qualifying for a loan at a good interest rate.

Possible Solutions
The solution here is simple. Reduce your debt. I know it's not always that simple, but if you want to qualify for a good mortgage loan, you'll need to have your debt under control. So the ideal scenario is to pay off as much of your debt as possible. If you are unable to do so, you could always shop for a more affordable home that would require a smaller loan.

Problem #2 - Not Enough Income
If you apply for a loan that a lender thinks you can't afford, your chances of being approved for the loan are slim. This may actually be a good thing, as it will prevent you from amassing more debt than you can cover with your income, which can lead to bigger problems like foreclose.

Possible Solutions
An obvious solution, of course, is to increase your income. But this is easier said than done. Another option would be to put more money down up front. If you make a down payment higher than the 20% average (say, 25% or 30%), you could qualify for a mortgage loan that doesn't require income verification. Just realize you'll probably pay a higher interest rate with this type of loan. A final option would be to get a co-signer, such as a parent or other relative ... somebody with good credit standing and favorable debt-to-income ratio.

Problem #3 - Low Credit Score
Credit scores range from 300 to 850, with 850 being the best. The hig

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When you apply for a mortgage loan, the lender will check your debt-to-income ratio. Basically, they will want to see how much money you make (next item) compared to how much you owe. The rule of thumb is 20%. Mortgage lenders prefer that your overall debt be no greater than 20% of your net income. If your debt is too high as compared to your income, it sends a signal that you cannot mange your finances. This can hurt your chances of qualifying for a loan at a good interest rate.

Possible Solutions
The solution here is simple. Reduce your debt. I know it's not always that simple, but if you want to qualify for a good mortgage loan, you'll need to have your debt under control. So the ideal scenario is to pay off as much of your debt as possible. If you are unable to do so, you could always shop for a more affordable home that would require a smaller loan.

Problem #2 - Not Enough Income
If you apply for a loan that a lender thinks you can't afford, your chances of being approved for the loan are slim. This may actually be a good thing, as it will prevent you from amassing more debt than you can cover with your income, which can lead to bigger problems like foreclose.

Possible Solutions
An obvious solution, of course, is to increase your income. But this is easier said than done. Another option would be to put more money down up front. If you make a down payment higher than the 20% average (say, 25% or 30%), you could qualify for a mortgage loan that doesn't require income verification. Just realize you'll probably pay a higher interest rate with this type of loan. A final option would be to get a co-signer, such as a parent or other relative ... somebody with good credit standing and favorable debt-to-income ratio.

Problem #3 - Low Credit Score
Credit scores range from 300 to 850, with 850 being the best. The hi

rest rate.

Possible Solutions
The solution here is simple. Reduce your debt. I know it's not always that simple, but if you want to qualify for a good mortgage loan, you'll need to have your debt under control. So the ideal scenario is to pay off as much of your debt as possible. If you are unable to do so, you could always shop for a more affordable home that would require a smaller loan.

Problem #2 - Not Enough Income
If you apply for a loan that a lender thinks you can't afford, your chances of being approved for the loan are slim. This may actually be a good thing, as it will prevent you from amassing more debt than you can cover with your income, which can lead to bigger problems like foreclose.

Possible Solutions
An obvious solution, of course, is to increase your income. But this is easier said than done. Another option would be to put more money down up front. If you make a down payment higher than the 20% average (say, 25% or 30%), you could qualify for a mortgage loan that doesn't require income verification. Just realize you'll probably pay a higher interest rate with this type of loan. A final option would be to get a co-signer, such as a parent or other relative ... somebody with good credit standing and favorable debt-to-income ratio.

Problem #3 - Low Credit Score
Credit scores range from 300 to 850, with 850 being the best. The hi

loan that a lender thinks you can't afford, your chances of being approved for the loan are slim. This may actually be a good thing, as it will prevent you from amassing more debt than you can cover with your income, which can lead to bigger problems like foreclose.

Possible Solutions
An obvious solution, of course, is to increase your income. But this is easier said than done. Another option would be to put more money down up front. If you make a down payment higher than the 20% average (say, 25% or 30%), you could qualify for a mortgage loan that doesn't require income verification. Just realize you'll probably pay a higher interest rate with this type of loan. A final option would be to get a co-signer, such as a parent or other relative ... somebody with good credit standing and favorable debt-to-income ratio.

Problem #3 - Low Credit Score
Credit scores range from 300 to 850, with 850 being the best. The hi

nt higher than the 20% average (say, 25% or 30%), you could qualify for a mortgage loan that doesn't require income verification. Just realize you'll probably pay a higher interest rate with this type of loan. A final option would be to get a co-signer, such as a parent or other relative ... somebody with good credit standing and favorable debt-to-income ratio.

Problem #3 - Low Credit Score
Credit scores range from 300 to 850, with 850 being the best. The higher your credit score, the easier it will be to qualify for a mortgage loan. You can also get a better interest rate when your credit is strong. But when your credit is low, you could have problems qualifying for a loan, and you'll likely pay a much higher interest rate. This means a bigger mortgage payment each month. Every lender looks at credit a little differently. The national average (U.S.) is around 723. Anything above 650 is usually considered good, and anything above 700 is considered excellent. Below 600, and you will start to have problems, in the form of higher interest rates.

Possible Solutions
The first thing to do is make sure you don't have errors on your credit report that are dragging your score lower than it should be. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request a copy of your credit report from all three credit-reporting agencies. Check your report to make sure there aren't any errors. If the reports are accurate, and you simply have a low credit score, you'll have to work on improving your credit. Pay your bills on time, and try to pay off as much debt as possible. In time, this kind of financial responsibility will help you increase your credit score.

* You may republish this article online if you retain the author's byline and the active hyperlinks below. Copyright 2007, Brandon Cornett.