Home Loan FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to get started?
The necessary items depend on your specific circumstances. That said, there are some general documents that most borrowers will need to provide. We recommend you review the Mortgage Checklist and gather as much as possible as early as possible. In general, you will be asked to provide:
- Your name, address, and social security number, all of which are used to obtain your credit report.
- Documentation to verify your income (such as pay stubs, W-2s, or federal tax returns.
- Documentation verifying your assets (such as bank account statements).
- A list of your liabilities (such as proof of recently paid-off debts)
- A copy of your homeowner’s insurance policy or contact information for your insurance agent.
How do I get started if I want to refinance a home?
We recommend you start by reviewing the Mortgage Checklist to make sure you have everything you need. Next, complete a mortgage application. If you aren’t quite ready for that step, you can always start by talking to one of our Mortgage Loan professionals. We are readily available to answer any of your questions.
I am a first-time homebuyer. What do I do?
As a first time homebuyer, it is very important that you start the process by getting preapproved with a lender. Start by calling a Maps mortgage loan officer today 971-382-0135 and talking through the homebuying process. When you are ready to apply, Maps provides an easy online application to gather the information needed to get your preapproval. Once you are preapproved, you can work with a Realtor to find a home!
What First-Time Home Buyer loans do you offer?
Maps has many products available for the First Time Homebuyer. These include Rural Housing loans, 100% Financing, Educator Loan, Home Ready, Home Possible, USDA and 97% Financing. We also have products available with low down payments where you do not need to be a first time homebuyer. These include FHA, VA and regular conventional financing with down payments as low as 3.5% to 5% down. Contact a mortgage loan officer to discuss what options are best for your situation. 971-382-0135
Do I need to be a Maps member to get a mortgage?
We would love you to be a member! Being a member brings many other benefits other than a low cost mortgage. Maps provides various types of mortgage products to help best serve our community and our members. Some of these products require that you be a member to close the loan, and other types do not. Our Mortgage Loan Officers will help you find the product that is best for your situation. Contact us directly or learn more about becoming a member.
How much can I get approved for?
Getting preapproved is the best way to start! The amount of loan that a borrower can be approved for is specific to each borrower. The lender must consider your monthly debts, total monthly income, credit score and down payment options among other factors. Maps is here to help you through the process. Reach out to a Mortgage Loan Officer today and we can help you determine what you qualify for. 971-382-0135
What are your current mortgage rates?
Our general rates are posted online. The rate you qualify for is very specific to you and your situation. However, we offer many different loan types and there are lots of different options within each loan type. Speak to one of our Mortgage Loan Officers for a more detailed idea of the rate you would qualify for.
Why should I choose Maps Credit Union for my home loan?
You aren’t just a number or a transaction when working with our team. We know you have goals, needs, and wants—and we are here to help you reach those! As your local not-for-profit credit union, we pride ourselves on educating our members so they can make the best financial decisions possible. We pride ourselves on helping our community. We do this by offering our loans with low fees and hard-to-beat rates. We want to make sure you know and understand all your options so you can secure the best loan for your unique scenario.
What if I am pre-approved with another lender but want to switch to Maps?
We love that idea! However, where you are in the overall process could create some challenges. Make sure you speak with one of our Mortgage Loan Officers first before you cancel or stop the loan process with your existing lender. We would love to earn your business but, more than that, we want you to be successful when buying your new home, no matter who the lender is.
How much will my monthly mortgage payment be?
To estimate your monthly payment, use our Mortgage Calculator. The payment estimate will be based on the terms of your loan and your home’s purchase price.
Is it good to “rate shop”?
It is smart business to get the best rate you qualify for, but the interest rate on your loan is only one part of your overall mortgage terms—and may not be the most important part in the end. If you are rate shopping, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Familiarize yourself with “Points” and how they affect your mortgage terms. Don’t shy away from asking questions.
You may qualify for a wide range of rates. If you simply opt for the lowest, you may find out that the “low” rate you were quoted will cost you thousands of dollars to get. Always ask for the RATE and FEES when shopping. The process may take time, but we’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
How long does it take to get a mortgage?
It typically takes 30 days to close on your mortgage once you’ve submitted all required paperwork and documents. However, closing times vary based on many factors, so check with your home loan advisor early to better understand when you can expect to close. If you’re planning to refinance your home, closing times are estimated to take 30-45 days.
Is now the right time to purchase a home or should I wait?
The simple answer? The right time to purchase a home is when you are ready to purchase a home. Waiting for “rates to get better”, “home values to go down”, or to “save up a larger down payment” may end up costing you more in the long run. Unless you can accurately predict the future, why wait for an event that may or may not happen? If you are considering a home purchase, talk to one of our experienced Mortgage Loan Officers. We will help you determine if you are ready.