The steps to homeownership

[Pages:23]Personal Banking Personal Banking

Mortgage Mortgage

The steps to homeownership

A guide for first-time homebuyers

Getting started.

When you choose BMO Harris Bank? for your mortgage, you'll get the resources of an experienced financial lender. You'll also get the assistance of a friendly BMO Harris Mortgage Banker who will walk you through each step and help you understand the mortgage process. At BMO Harris, we think you'll find that obtaining a mortgage is not nearly as intimidating as you might have thought. Over the past century, BMO Harris has helped thousands of families and individuals finance their very first home. If this is your dream, we can help make it possible for you, too! So get comfortable--and let us show you "the steps to homeownership."

Table of contents

1

Homeownership advantages and responsibilities

2?3

Rent vs. own comparison

4

Nine easy steps to your home loan

5

Prequalification and preapproval

6?7

BMO Harris Bank affordable mortgage

products and programs

8

Fixed rate mortgage vs. ARM comparison

9

What to bring for an application

10

The application

11

? My income

11

? My debts and obligations

12

? Credit check

13

? Asset review

14

Loan Estimate

15

Appraisal and insurance

16

Closing disclosure

16

Loan approval and closing

17

Consumer tips

18

BMO Harris Bank advantages

19

Homeownership...we help make it possible!

20

BMO Harris Bank home lending

Homeownership advantages and responsibilities

A home may be the most significant purchase you will make in your lifetime. Homeownership has many advantages but also brings with it many new responsibilities.

What are the advantages of homeownership?

? Tax savings: potential to deduct mortgage interest and real estate property taxes when filing federal income taxes*

? Financial investment: you may build equity over time through loan repayment and property appreciation, making funds available at a later date for home improvements, college tuition, etc.

What are the responsibilities of homeownership?

? Utility costs: heating, electricity, sewer, water, garbage removal and cable

? Maintenance: painting, decorating, landscaping, snow removal and possible homeowner association dues

? Appliance repair/replacement: furnace, air conditioner, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, water heater and microwave

? Possible structural repairs: roof, plumbing, electrical wiring and foundation

? Home improvements: kitchen or bathroom upgrades, deck or patio, finished basement and garage

? Record keeping for income taxes: when filing your taxes, you may be able to deduct money paid for real estate taxes and for mortgage interest*

* You should consult a tax advisor for further information regarding deductibility of interest and taxes. 2

BMO Harris Bank home lending

To help you with your decision about buying a home or continuing to rent, consider which statements feel more like you.

I may want to rent if...

? I'm new to the community and haven't decided where I want to live

? I move frequently for my job ? I feel burdened by a seasonal home-maintenance schedule ? I have little desire to own

I may want to own if...

? I want a feeling of security that comes with owning a home ? I've had a steady source of income for two to three years ? I have a good record of paying my bills on time ? I would like potential tax savings* ? I would like to improve my financial independence ? I pay as much in monthly rent as I would in a monthly mortgage

Buying a home is an important decision. Consider the benefits and the differences between homeownership and renting to determine if owning a home is right for you.

Notes:

* You should consult a tax advisor for further information regarding deductibility of interest and taxes. 3

BMO Harris Bank home lending

Rent vs. own comparison

Consider the following advantages and disadvantages of renting and owning in order to help you decide which option best suits you.

Advantages Disadvantages

Renting vs. Owning

Rent

? Short-term commitment ? Less property maintenance responsibility ? Less up-front cash (security deposit vs. down payment)

? No tax advantage ? No accumulation of equity ? Limited or no ability to personalize space

Own

? Accumulation of equity ? Potential tax advantages* ? Remodel and personalize space as you wish

? Long-term commitment ? Property maintenance is your responsibility ? Down payment is typically larger than

a security deposit ? Additional living costs (ex: association fees,

property taxes)

Notes:

* You should consult a tax advisor for further information regarding deductibility of interest and taxes. 4

BMO Harris Bank home lending

Nine easy steps to your home loan

Gain a better understanding of how the homebuying process works and how BMO Harris Bank can help you navigate it.

1 Prequalification

At BMO Harris, we may prequalify you for a specific loan amount over the phone, or in person, in minutes--so you'll know how much home you can afford. It is necessary to order a credit report for the prequalification process. You will also need to supply information about your income, assets and debts.

2 Choose your loan

BMO Harris has a wide range of mortgage solutions for first-time homebuyers, with options to fit most budgets and lifestyles.

3 The application

We'll meet with you to take your application at a time and place convenient for you. Plus, before we meet, we'll give you a checklist of everything you'll need to bring along to ensure a smooth process.

4 Income and employment verification

The information on your application is checked for accuracy and compared to your pay stubs, W-2 forms and tax returns to determine if you can afford your monthly payment.

5 Credit check

Your credit history is reviewed to help us determine how much debt you have and how you have paid your bills over time.

6 Asset review

Your bank statements and investments help us determine whether you have sufficient funds for your down payment, closing costs and reserves.

7 Appraisal

We will obtain a professional estimate of the market value of your property.

8 Hazard or other homeowner's insurance

This type of insurance is required for the life of your mortgage and protects the value of your property.

9 Loan approval and closing

After your loan is approved, we will meet with you so that you may sign the necessary papers. The deal is "closed." You own your home!

5

BMO Harris Bank home lending

Prequalification and preapproval

Prequalification

If you are considering homeownership in the near future, you should contact your BMO Harris Mortgage Banker and request a free prequalification. In this informal process, your Mortgage Banker estimates how much money you can borrow to purchase a home and what your monthly mortgage payment will be. You will need to supply information about your income, assets and debts. A credit report will be ordered for the prequalification process. At BMO Harris Bank, prequalification is free.

Preapproval

A preapproval is a formal application for a home loan prior to you selecting a property. In most cases, a prequalification is sufficient, but in some cases, real estate professionals and builders may prefer to work with buyers who have been preapproved for a mortgage before they begin shopping for homes. Some loan programs also require a preapproval rather than a prequalification. A credit report is ordered and documentation is required to verify your employment, income and assets. A written loan commitment letter is issued identifying the maximum amount of money you can borrow and what your monthly payment will be.

Notes:

BMO Harris Bank home lending

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