Home Loan Mortgages

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

• What credit score do I need to qualify for a home loan?

  Your credit score is one of several factors that determine qualification for a home loan. Other factors that are considered include debt to income ratio, how well you have managed prior credit and length of credit history. There may be steps you can take to improve your credit score. To learn more about credit management and understanding your credit report, try our free credit counseling service.

• Can I get a home loan with bad credit?

  While your credit score is one of several factors that determine qualification for a home loan, it is an important measure of credit risk. If you have a poor credit profile, you may want to consider taking the time to build your credit and strengthen your personal finances before purchasing a home. If you have not done so already, check your credit report for any incorrect or outdated items. If there's any erroneous information that's bringing down your score, contact the credit reporting company as soon as possible to have errors removed or disputed. We encourage our customers to speak with one of our home loan experts to help determine the next steps and best course of action to secure a home loan. To learn more about credit management and understanding your credit report, try our free credit counseling service.

• How do I apply for a home loan?

  You can apply for a SDCCU home loan online, by visiting any of our branch locations or by calling us at (877) 732-2848. You can apply to refinance your mortgage or apply to purchase a new home through any of these options.

• How do I get the best rate for a home loan?

  Many factors determine your interest rate but being financially responsible and making your payments on time will have a positive impact on your credit score which helps determine your interest rate. Make sure to check your credit report for any incorrect or outdated items along with any erroneous information that is bringing down your score. Contact the credit reporting agency right away to start the process of having the errors removed or disputed.

• How do mortgages work?

  When you take out a mortgage, it means you are borrowing money to purchase a home. You make a promise to the lender to pay back the money you borrowed, plus the agreed upon interest and will be required to pay each month based on the terms within your loan documents. Remember your home is used as “collateral,” which means you have agreed with your lender to allow a lien against your home and if you fail to abide by the terms of your mortgage, your lender has certain rights to make sure the obligation is satisfied.

• What are adjustable rate mortgages (ARM)?

  With an adjustable-rate mortgage, the initial interest rate is fixed for a period of time generally 1, 3, 5, 7 or 10 years depending on the loan you select. After this initial period of time, the interest rate can change periodically, at yearly intervals or in some cases every 5 years. The interest rate for an ARM is reset based on a benchmark or index, plus an additional spread called a margin. Your rate will be determined by adding the margin and the index. ARMs typically have lower starting rates which can help lower your payments or allow you to qualify for a higher loan amount.

• What is a fixed rate mortgage?

  A fixed rate mortgage is a home loan that has an interest rate that doesn’t change. That means your interest rate won’t increase or decrease over the life of the loan. Your payment is the same each month, making it easier to budget for. A fixed rate mortgage is one of the two most common home loan options.

• What is a jumbo loan?

  The Fair Housing Finance Agency sets limits for home loan amounts. These loan limits vary from county to county. If you are below the set limit it is known as a conforming loan and when your loan amount exceeds these limits set by the FHFA your loan is considered a high balance or jumbo loan. In some cases a jumbo loan may require a larger down payment or have different credit requirements. SDCCU provides many jumbo loan programs that can help with your financing needs up to $3 million.

• What is a mortgage lender?

  A mortgage lender is an entity, typically a financial institution like a bank or credit union, which offers financing, known as a mortgage loan, for the refinance or purchase of a home or real estate.

• When is the best time to refinance a home loan?

  To determine if refinancing is right for you, call one of SDCCU’s loan experts to help determine what loan programs best fit your financial needs. You can also use one of the mortgage loan calculators, as they can help determine how much you might save from refinancing your home loan with SDCCU. You can contact a SDCCU home loan specialist by calling us or visiting a branch location.