Close

See current mortgage rates on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace

How will a 2 year lease on a car affect my ability to get a mortgage?

Profile picture for kborrud

I have just saved up enough for a downpayment on a new home (first time home buyer).  However, my car just completely died and no longer runs.  I am considering leasing, because I don't want a car loan to take away at money for my downpayment or  decrease my loan amount.  Will having a car lease decrease the amount that I would qualify for on a loan?  Would getting a lease hurt my credit score? How would leasing a car affect my ability to get a home loan?

  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
February 17 2011 - Redondo Beach
  • Be a Good Neighbor. Be respectful and on-topic. No spam or self-promotion! See our Good Neighbor Policy.

Answers (7)

Profile picture for BeachGirlRealty
I agree with the suggestions offered. Buy an older car cash and enjoy your new home. If you are in the South Bay, I have a great referral to a reputable used car dealership. I will never buy a car anywhere else!
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
February 18 2011
Profile picture for LUXURY HOME LOANS CA
You received some good advice. From those that responded I like the idea of renting a cheap car or buying a "beater." Both would not affect your credit score or your Debt-to-Income ratios.

Happy funding, Rudi
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
February 18 2011
Profile picture for Chris Starke

If you decide to purchase a car in cash, then you won't have a car payment to worry about. Before you make a decision check out your down payment assistance options.  You may also want to see how taking out a down payment loan in addition to your mortgage payment will affect you.

Based on your income situation you may qualify for a grant or only partial repayment from the down payment assistance programs in your area. You can check with your local housing authority for additionial info.

You ability to qualify is subject to the abilities of your lender.  Depending on the program you may find a comfortable way to do both with the resources you already have

  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
February 18 2011

Unless you plan on having a car OR having a house then you need to figure out how both will work in your budget.  Make the best decision for you on a car and on buying a house.

  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
February 18 2011
Profile picture for Chris Starke

Purchasing a car will most definately affect your debt to income ratio.  After reviewing your situation I would suggest taking a look at CALFHA .  This program can allow you to better weigh your options. 

CalHFA is a program for first time homebuyers.  This program can provide 100% financing, as well as down payment assistance options that may help you make the decision to buy that new car, or put what you have down on a new house.  Some options may even help you get a loan for your down payment that you can pay back at an interest rate you won't find anywere else.

Take a look at this link, and let me know if you have any questions.

http://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/programs/index.htm



Hope this helps.

  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
February 18 2011
Profile picture for BeachCityTony
A leased car shows up on your credit report as like an installment loan in the amount of the total amount of the payments (ie. if the lease amount was $400/mo and for 24 months then the total amount is $9.6k).  With that, the $400/mo is now a monthly obligation for you and increases your Debt To Income (DTI) ratio and this can significantly effect the amount of your monthly payment capacity in the lender's eyes.  Further the $9.6k debt will decrease your credit score as it relates to your total outstanding debt to income ratios.  My suggestion would be to rent a car temporarily until you close escrow on a home... sometimes the lender thresholds make it tough but you may have the financial appetite to afford both.
  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
February 18 2011
A lease affects your score exactly the same as buying a car would. There is absolutely no difference, with the exception that a lease will probably result in lower monthly payments and thus not affect your DTI as much. This in no way means that I am suggesting leasing over purchasing a car, I am just answering your question. The bottom line is that if you buy/lease a car, it will affect your credit score somehow and the fact that it's a lease is irrelevant.

A suggestion: If you truly want to buy a home, and you are that strapped credit-wise and cash-wise, you may be better off buying a beater and driving that for a bit and saving a bit longer so you don't get in over your head. What happens after you buy and it's the water heater that dies, or the AC?  

You don't sound ready to buy.

  Flag content
Close
Report a Problem

Please enter a valid email address.

Close
Content flagged

We will review this content. Thanks for helping make the site more useful to everyone. To learn more, read Zillow's Good Neighbor Policy.

Close
We're Sorry
This service is temporarily unavailable. Please come back later and try again.
February 18 2011
 

Have a question? Ask it here.

What's this?
Close

By starting a discussion, you can expect more of an interactive, back-and-forth experience where the conversation can go in many different directions.

Or start a discussion
Related Questions
Profile picture for GFL Capital Group
QuestionNeed Lender for 30 yr fixed for 728K. Combining 1st/2nd. Great FICO n rsvs
  • Latest answer by GFL Capital Group
  • May 02
Profile picture for John Paunan
Questionwhat is current mortgage rates?
  • Latest answer by John Paunan
  • March 30 2011
Profile picture for Denise Lavell
QuestionHow will a 2 year lease on a car affect my ability to get a mortgage?
  • Latest answer by Denise Lavell
  • February 18 2011
Profile picture for Denise Lavell
QuestionHow many days from Appraisal report to Loan Approval?
  • Latest answer by Denise Lavell
  • February 17 2011
Profile picture for Kyle Daniels
QuestionWhat can I do to get more (or better) quotes for my loan request ZR-BDXRYQR
  • Latest answer by Kyle Daniels
  • May 27 2010
Related Articles
GuideJumbo Loan
GuidePrivate Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
GuideA QUICK ARM 101
GuideA QUICK ARM GLOSSARY
GuideLOANS (A 3-MINUTE ARM GLOSSARY)
Be A Good Neighbor

Zillow® Advice depends on each member to keep it a safe, fun, and positive place. If you see abuse, flag it. More on our Good Neighbor Policy