Reducing Debt Saving Money

by Home Buyer

Ask Kate: Reducing Debt or Saving Money - Is it better to pay off my debts or keep my savings?
Kate, Right now, I have about $13,000 in credit card debt and $16,000 in school loans. I want to buy a home next year around March or April when I move.



When shopping for mortgage lending, is it better to pay off my debts, thus having less money in my checking and savings? Or is it better to have more in my checking and savings but have higher debt?

For example, I have $13,000 in debt with $10,000 in savings. Would it be better to have $6,000 in debt and $3,000 in savings?

Kate Answers: Reducing Debt or Saving Money - Is it better to pay off my debts or keep my savings?

Dear Home Buyer, Opinions, opinions, opinions! Pros and cons of reducing debt vs saving money always leads to a healthy debate.

Debt reduction not only increases cash flow, it has a positive affect on credit scores. But on the other hand, cash in the bank rates high and mighty when it comes to getting a mortgage. How do you choose between reducing debt or saving money?

Let's take a look at both, starting with debt reduction. Say you have a $5000 limit on your credit card but maintain a balance no greater than $1000. This improves your available credit to debt ratio and generally increases credit scores. There is also another ratio to consider, your debt to income ratio. It is easier to get approved for a mortgage if you aren't spending a large chunk of your income on credit cards or student loans.

In summary, reducing debt can increase credit scores and lower your debt ratios, both of which lead to stronger mortgage approvals.

But take a look at this! Cash is king when it comes to buying a house. However, once you pay down your credit cards to get out of debt, you've depleted your bank account. What if you locate the house of your dreams, apply for a mortgage only to find out you're required to increase your down payment? What if you're told you need a certain amount of savings in the bank?

If you already paid off the credit cards, you will need to postpone your dream of homeownership until you save more money.

There are so many factors going into a mortgage approval to answer yes or no to your question. Just one detail to your situation can make a difference. That's why I strongly recommend getting preapproved before shopping for a home. Since you won't be buying a house until next spring, today is the perfect opportunity.

What's mortgage pre approval, you ask? I explain the ABC's of mortgage pre approval here. Discover why I say getting preapproved takes the fear out of buying a house.

Now let's dive even deeper into the process. Follow the links down below leading to amazing ideas regarding home buying.

You're also going to like Answers by Kate - How To Buy A House where insider secrets are revealed.

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Best Wishes,

You just discovered a collection of articles By Ask Kate including how to form a Dream Team and more tips for home buyers.

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