Mortgage Frequently Asked Questions: Help

Chase uses your credit report to evaluate your mortgage request and determine how you have handled your credit obligations in the past. Get your free credit score with Chase Credit Journey, even if you're not a Chase customer. Once you enroll, you’ll also get email alerts about critical changes to your credit and  have access to our score simulator to see how your credit score may be affected by different events.

Our mortgage rates is updated daily to give you the most current purchase rates when choosing a home loan. And our competitive mortgage rates are backed by an experienced staff of mortgage professionals, so you can feel confident that you have the most up-to-date information you need.

We may be able to help you buy a home, even if your credit isn't perfect. Keep in mind that lenders don't just look at your credit history, but also at your ability and willingness to pay in the future. Learn more about Chase programs with flexible credit guidelines.

If you plan to be in your home for more than seven years, you may want to consider a fixed-rate mortgage, which offers predictable payments and long-term protection against rising mortgage interest rates. If you plan to be in your home for seven years or less, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) could be attractive. Keep in mind that with an ARM, your monthly payments have the potential to go up each time your interest rate adjusts.

When you pay a discount point, you are essentially paying part of your interest to the lender up front. This will lower your interest rate—as well as your monthly payment—over the life of the loan. One discount point is always equal to 1% of the loan amount. For example, one point on a $100,000 loan would require payment of $1,000 at closing. The longer you plan to remain in a property or hold your mortgage, the more advantageous it is to pay points. There is no requirement to pay discount points; whether or not you decide to pay points is completely up to you.

Some types of mortgage and homeowners costs may be tax-deductible: discount points, interest paid on a home loan and property taxes. Consult your tax advisor for advice about your situation.

Purchasing real estate can be a lucrative way to invest your money, but it comes with risks and benefits you need to consider to make sure it's right for you. Determine what your primary goal is—do you want cash flow in the short run or to make a long-term investment? One common misconception is that all you have to do is collect rent. There's much more involved, such as regular maintenance, periodic updates to keep your property in high demand and the monthly mortgage payment, especially when you have a gap in tenancy.

Perhaps you want to find a second home to get away for some rest and relaxation. If you're looking for a vacation home, be as invested in this search as you were for your primary home. Consider points of interest nearby and property amenities. Plus, you should determine how much time you plan to spend in the home and how easy or difficult it is to travel to the vacation home. Interested in buying a vacation home?