Mortgage Law in South Carolina

Mortgages are a specific type of secured loan, where the security is the piece of property bought with the loan. In Greenville County, South Carolina, most mortgages are taken out to buy houses. The seller of the house is paid by the bank, and the buyer, in exchange, agrees to pay the bank back in installments, with interest. If they refuse to make these payments, the bank can seize the house.

Taking out a mortgage and buying a house is not a decision to make lightly. Nonetheless, mortgages serve some very useful purposes. Because houses are so expensive, it's impossible for most people to buy them by paying the whole price upfront. A mortgage ensures that the seller gets paid immediately, and that the buyer is able to pay the purchase price over a long period of time, in manageable installments.

Buying something with a loan costs more than just the purchase price. This is because lenders charge interest on their loans, which, when all is said and done, adds up to a very massive amount of money.

Nonetheless, many people who buy their homes with a mortgage find this extra long-term cost to be worth it, since a mortgage might be their only way to buy a home.

Getting a Mortgage in Greenville County, South Carolina

When attempting to get a mortgage in Greenville County, South Carolina, it's essential to have a long track record of good credit. In lending such a large amount of money, banks take a significant risk. However, if you mitigate that risk somewhat with proof that you always pay your debts, you are a far less risky prospect, as far as the bank is concerned, making them far more likely to approve a loan.

Most lenders will not issue a loan without a down payment. The down payment required will normally be measured as some relatively small percentage of the purchase price of the home. However, considering the prices involved, this could translate to a fairly large sum of money. Before taking out a mortgage, you should ensure that you have enough money saved up to make a down payment, and then some. This will show lenders that you are accountable with your money, and ensure that the down payment puts a minimal strain on you finances.

Another critical factor is having a good understanding of your own finances. This is less common than you might think. You should make sure that the purchase price of the home, and the resulting mortgage payments (along with property taxes, fees, and inevitable repair costs) are well within your budget. If they aren't, you should opt for a cheaper house, or wait until you have a higher income.

Once everything is in order, it comes time to complete the mortgage agreement. Once this is signed, there is normally no going back, so you should make sure that you understand every single term in this long-term agreement.

Can a Greenville County, South Carolina Real Estate Attorney help?

Taking out a mortgage and buying a home isn't a trivial matter, and might be the most important financial decision a person makes. A seasoned Greenville County, South Carolina real estate attorney can ensure that this goes as smoothly as possible.