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13. Failure to report name changes to creditors also causes confusion.
14. Not checking credit report frequently is one of
most common mistakes consumers make.
You can buy real estate with poor credit, but you will save thousands in loan costs if you maintain good credit. A bad credit report leaves home buyers with sub-prime loans which have higher point charges, prepayment penalties, and higher interest charges, which therefore cost more money.
For instance, a mortgage loan of $150,000, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, interest rate of about 5.72 percent costs around $870 a month poor credit scores raise
interest rate over 9 percent and
payments over $1,200.
As you see from these payment differences, good credit means that you can finance a more expensive house with
same income, or save $330 each month.
Credit Requirements for Mortgages
Credit needed to buy real estate is not
same as good credit. Besides your credit score, mortgage lenders consider your debt-to-income ratio and other credit matters, unlike other credit grantors. Your debt-to-income ratio is
comparison of mortgage payment, including taxes, interest, and insurance to your total gross monthly income. Real estate lenders also consider your employment qualifications and your overall debt ratios.
Understanding
difference between good credit and
credit needed to obtain real estate financing helps you buy houses!
(c) Copyright 2004, Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.

Professor Jeanette Fisher, is the author of Credit Help! Get the Credit You Need to Buy Real Estate, and other books. Jeanette and her husband Brian (former special ed teacher) chose real estate investing to be able to care for their daughter with special needs. While buying and selling millions of dollars worth of real estate, the Fishers were forced into becoming credit experts. Real Estate Credit Help, visit http://www.recredithelp.com