What mortgage lenders don't want you to know?

Asked by: Tyree Russel  |  Last update: January 29, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (19 votes)

10 Secrets Mortgage Lenders Don't Want You to Know
  • You don't need a perfect credit score. ...
  • There's no such thing as “no closing costs” ...
  • You can make extra principal-only payments. ...
  • A 30-year loan isn't your only option. ...
  • You can shop for mortgage lenders. ...
  • Mortgage forbearance is possible.

What lenders don't tell you?

Lenders don't always tell you about the little ways they charge you more—like charging you a fee or increasing your rate if you prefer to pay your own real estate taxes.

What is the 3 7 3 rule in mortgage?

Timing Requirements – The “3/7/3 Rule”

The initial Truth in Lending Statement must be delivered to the consumer within 3 business days of the receipt of the loan application by the lender. The TILA statement is presumed to be delivered to the consumer 3 business days after it is mailed.

What should you not tell a mortgage lender?

Telling your lender you've opened up or applied for several new credit cards may not go over so well. Wait until after you finish buying the home to make those big purchases. You don't want to come off as reckless with your spending before getting approval.

What is a red flag in a mortgage?

Here are eight lender red flags to look out for: Not doing a credit check. Rushing you through the process. Not honoring advertised rates or terms. Charging higher-than-average interest rates.

The Truth About Your Mortgage - Secrets the Banks Don't Want You to Know

44 related questions found

Do lenders look at spending habits?

Expenses. Second, lenders look at the borrower's spending habits. They want to see if they are responsible with their money.

What question is a lender not allowed to ask?

While it may seem that a lender can ask anything, there are two topics that are illegal to require borrowers to answer: family planning and health issues. Lenders may not ask if you a starting a family because they may assume female borrowers will quit their jobs if they become pregnant.

Do mortgage lenders look at your bank account?

Generally, yes. You'll almost certainly be required to submit bank statements to be considered for a mortgage loan — at least one to two months' worth.

What voids a mortgage?

It can be stripped only if there is no equity in the property after deducting the payoff balances of the liens senior to the lien from the fair market value of the property. The lien is permanently voided only upon the successful completion of the reorganization plan.

What is the golden rule of mortgage?

The Rule of 28 – Your monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. This is often considered the “Golden Rule,” and many lenders abide by it.

What are the three C's of mortgage lending?

Character, capital (or collateral), and capacity make up the three C's of credit. Credit history, sufficient finances for repayment, and collateral are all factors in establishing credit. A person's character is based on their ability to pay their bills on time, which includes their past payments.

What happens 3 days before closing?

When the Know Before You Owe mortgage disclosure rule becomes effective, lenders must give you new, easier-to-use disclosures about your loan three business days before closing. This gives you time to review the terms of the deal before you get to the closing table.

What is a toxic lender?

A so-called “toxic” lender was a “dealer” required to register under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and disgorgement was an appropriate remedy for his violations, but a divided panel held that a lifetime ban from engaging in penny-stock transactions was an abuse of the district court's discretion. S.E.C.

What banks do not want you to know?

Our countdown includes Banks Can Re-Order Your Transactions, Banks Are Open to Negotiation, A Little Debt Can Sometimes Be Useful, and more!
  1. #1: Fees, Fees, Fees.
  2. #2: Banks Are Open to Negotiation. ...
  3. #3: Credit Over Debit. ...
  4. #4: The Right of Set-off. ...
  5. #5: Foreign Exchange Rates. ...
  6. #6: Let Your Bank Know When You Travel. ...

What score do most lenders look at?

90% of top lenders use FICO Scores.

Do banks look at your spending habits for mortgage?

Spending Habits

Lenders will be looking at: Your regular expenses (rent, utilities, subscriptions) Discretionary spending (eating out, entertainment) Any large or unusual transactions.

What are red flags on bank statements?

Your bank statements reveal your regular spending habits and how you manage your finances. Lenders look for red flags like frequent overdrafts, returned payments, or insufficient funds charges, which indicate financial stress or poor money management.

What is considered a large deposit to an underwriter?

A large deposit is defined as a single deposit that exceeds 50% of the total monthly qualifying income for the loan. When bank statements (typically covering the most recent two months) are used, the lender must evaluate large deposits.

What is the major reason the lender denied the loan?

A poor credit history or low credit score can prevent you from getting approved for a personal loan. Too much monthly debt relative to your income—your debt-to-income ratio (DTI)—can lead to a lender rejecting your loan application.

Do mortgage lenders verify your marital status?

Do mortgage lenders verify your marital status? You may wonder -- can a mortgage lender find out if you're married? The answer is yes. Lenders may need this information in order to fully understand your financial obligations and assets.

Do banks check tax returns for mortgages?

It's no secret: when you apply for a mortgage, lenders want to know that you can repay the loan. To assess your financial situation and determine whether or not they should extend credit, most lenders will require one to two years of tax returns from potential borrowers.

What happens if I put $20 down on an FHA loan?

Can you put 20% down on an FHA loan? The FHA only requires a minimum down payment of 3.5% (or 10%, for lower credit borrowers). However, you can put down as much as you want above and beyond the down payment minimum, and doing so may get you a lower mortgage rate and lower monthly payments.

Why are FHA closing costs so high?

Since your home must meet FHA property minimums, the appraisal process may include more requirements than a conventional home loan. The appraisal is required to be performed by an FHA approved appraiser and may have additional inspections which could result in a higher appraisal cost.

How much is a mortgage on a $400,000 house?

The monthly mortgage payment on a $400,000 mortgage typically falls between $2,600 and $3,300. This range depends on several key factors like your chosen loan program, down payment size, and current interest rates.