Common Problems
How much does my credit report cost and what is it used for?
Your credit report tells a lender how responsibly you've dealt with prior loans. Did you pay all of your previous loans back (and on time)? Credit reports don't cost a great deal, but you can expect to pay from $30 to $50 for the lender to obtain a current copy of yours.
If you know that you have blemishes on your credit report, address those problems before you apply for your mortgage. Otherwise, you'll be wasting your time and money applying for a loan for which you'll be denied.
What is an appraisal for and how much will it cost me?
Mortgage lenders want an independent assessment to ensure that the property that you're buying is worth approximately what you agreed to pay -- that's the job of an appraiser. Why would the lender care? Simple -- because the lender is likely loaning you a large portion of the purchase price of the property.
The cost of an appraisal varies with the size, complexity, and value of property. Expect to pay a few hundred dollars for an appraisal of most modestly priced, average-type properties.
