Buying a car could make it more difficult for you to get a mortgage loan for the home that you really want. However, car loans are typically easier to get, as they don't involve as deep a dive into your credit and debt-to-income situation. If you can wait, you might consider getting a car after you get your home.
If you're in the process of applying for a mortgage, car finance will affect how much you can borrow. This is because lenders see it as a form of debt, so the bigger this debt is, the less they'll lend you for a mortgage.
The good news is that's it not difficult to get an auto loan even if you have poor credit. ... They offer on the lot car financing to help customers get a used vehicle that they can rely on. AutoMax offers this financing option to everyone, but they specialize in helping people with poor credit.
Auto dealers and lenders also have credit standards and an approval process, but generally are more lenient than home-loan underwriters. You likely won't have a problem buying a car after buying a house if you have good credit and cash left after buying your home.
It would usually take 30 to 45 days from the mortgage application to the actual closing day. Then it would require an hour or so on the actual closing day for the rest of the paperwork.
Many people are inclined to improve their social standing by purchasing a car and buying a home at the same time. There's nothing wrong with that. Purchasing the car before buying a home will have an effect on what the mortgage lender determines you can afford for a home.
A home is an essential, but you might manage without a car. If you've purchased both a house and car, you might want to choose whether to improve your house or accessorize your car -- or pay down your debt. In most cases, your house is more expensive, more permanent and more important to your future.
Buying a car also adds to your debt load, which can make you appear to be a riskier borrower. That could mean mortgage lenders are less likely to approve you for a mortgage loan. And, if you take on a large debt such as a car loan, you might be less able to afford the payment on the home you really want.
The Takeaway
Should you pay off debt before buying a house? Not necessarily, but you can expect lenders to take into consideration how much debt you have and what kind it is. Considering a solution that might reduce your payments or lower your interest rate could improve your chances of getting the home loan you want.
In general, lenders look for borrowers in the prime range or better, so you will need a score of 661 or higher to qualify for most conventional car loans.
The recommended credit score needed to buy a car is 660 and above. This will typically guarantee interest rates under 6%.
What Credit Score Do I Need to Get a Good Deal on a Car? To get an auto loan without a high interest rate, our research shows you'll want a credit score of 700 or above on the 300- to 850-point scale. That's considered prime credit, and lenders don't have to price much risk into their rates.
Lenders might be 'put off' if you have unpaid debt, old credit cards, loans, a poor credit score, multiple home addresses, and financial ties to other people that have a weak credit score. ... Even if you paid this debt off on time, it can still affect the outcome when you apply for a mortgage.
Ways Buying a Car Can Impact Your Credit
When you first get an auto loan, you may see a slight dip in your credit scores because you're taking on a hefty new debt. However, as you begin making on-time payments on the loan, your credit score should bounce back.
In short, it is possible to use your car as collateral for a loan. Secured loans require an asset that the lender can repossess should you fail to repay the loan. Doing so may help you qualify for a loan, particularly if you have bad credit.
Your Debt-to-Income Ratio is What Really Matters
A 45% debt ratio is about the highest ratio you can have and still qualify for a mortgage. ... FHA loans usually require your debt ratio (including your proposed new mortgage payment) to be 43% or less. USDA loans require a debt ratio of 41% or less.
You can buy a house while in debt. ... Your debt-to-income ratio matters a lot to lenders. Simply put, your DTI ratio is a measurement that compares your debt to your income and determines how much you can really afford in mortgage payments. Most lenders will not approve you for a mortgage if your DTI ratio exceeds 43%.
Paying off your loan sooner means it will eventually free up your monthly cash for other expenses when the loan is paid off. It also lowers your car insurance payments, so you can use the savings to stash away for a rainy day, pay off other debt or invest.
Your score dropped after buying a car due to hard inquiries. ... Each credit report the auto loan lender pull adds 1 new hard inquiry, and each hard inquiry lowers your score up to 10 FICO points. A single car loan application could lower your score up to 30 points.
In most cases, it's in your best interest to pay off your car loan before you trade in your car. ... As long as you're not behind on your car payments, most dealerships will allow you to transfer the remaining amount of your loan to the new car's loan.
Every payment you make towards your loan is reported back to each credit bureau. When you make a timely payment to your auto loan each month, you'll see a boost in your score at key milestones like six months, one year, and eighteen months.
If you are going to buy a house, wait until after you close on your house before you commit to taking a loan for a new car. Your mortgage loan officer will look an any additional debt before closing on a mortgage, and anything that might reduce your credit-worthyness.
Many people would rather buy a car because it's cheaper and requires less effort, but saving up for a house allows you more time to pay off bad credit, debt, or other expenses. This could include saving up more money for a future car! Budget your time and money to determine what is worth investing in first.