Truist Mortgage, (formerly SunTrust), is a heavyweight when it comes to online mortgage lenders. They offer a plethora of loans at competitive rates, and their website is nothing but top-notch. Both new and experienced borrowers find Truist a great mortgage lender to work with.
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Truist Mortgage Application Requirements
Truist Mortgage requires the following when you apply online for a home mortgage:
- 2-3 pay stubs
- Tax returns for the past two years
- W-2s
- Bank Statements
- State/ Government Issued ID
- Social Security Number
In addition to the above paperwork, Truist recommends borrowers have a clean credit history. Because they service multiple loan types, they don’t list a minimum credit score on their website since each loan would have a different minimum. They do, however, request that borrowers have a history of on-time payments.
Truist also prefers to work with customers who have a low debt-to-income ratio. Although they don’t explicitly state the maximum DTI, the general rule of thumb with mortgage lenders is not to have a mortgage that pushes the DTI over 43%. Also worth noting is that most lenders like to keep mortgage amounts between 28%-35% of a borrower’s monthly gross income.
Types of Home Loans Available from Truist Mortgage
Truist has a truly robust suite of mortgage products to choose from, including both conventional loans and government loan products. Here’s each type of home loan you can get through Truist.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
ARMs offer lower interest rates in the first few years of payments and then change every year thereafter. Currently, Truist Mortgage offers 5/1, 7/1, and 10/1 ARMs. This means that in the beginning, borrowers will have more cash on hand after making their payments.
ARMs are great mortgage options for people who have to move around a lot and know they’ll be selling within the ARM period. Just know that your original interest rate may increase after the fixed period with this loan option.
Agency Affordable Financing
HomeReady and Home Possible financing, backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, are designed for borrowers with low to moderate monthly incomes. They are also designed for purchasers aiming to buy in traditionally low-income/minority-driven areas and communities recently impacted by natural disasters. There are limits to the maximum amount of income borrowers can make, so be sure to speak to a loan officer before moving forward.
Agency Plus Financing
APFs are loans for high-cost homes. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development must have designated the home to be in a high-cost area. If so, Truist will finance up to $679,650 of the purchase.
APFs can be used for investment properties, second homes, or primary residences and are available with either fixed or adjustable rates.
VA Loans
Whether you are a current or former member of the U.S. military (or your spouse was), you can qualify for a VA loan that will finance 100% of your new home. No down payment is needed, and you can use this loan for a 1-4 unit primary residence property.
Doctor Loan Program
If you are a physician, dentist, licensed resident, intern, or a fellow in an MD, DO, or DPM program, you can qualify for 100% financing. In addition, you don’t have to worry about monthly private mortgage insurance payments, and you can choose from either fixed or adjustable-rate mortgages.
FHA Loans
If you are unable to make a large down payment (meaning 20% or more), a standard FHA loan is for you. For FHA loans, Truist Mortgage only requires a 580 credit score and a 3.5% down payment.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
Never worry about rising mortgage rates or budgeting, as your monthly payments will always be the same for the life of the loan.
Jumbo Loans
For borrowers who need larger loan amounts, Truist’s jumbo mortgage option allows borrowers to purchase expensive properties at competitive mortgage rates. Sellers can contribute up to 6% and won’t pay any fees for paying off the loan early.
USDA Loans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development offers 100% financing for homes in select rural areas with no down payment required.
Home Equity Line of Credit
Truist offers a HELOC that you can use for home improvements, to pay off credit cards, for educational expenses, or any major purchase. The line of credit amount can range from $10,000 to $500,000.
Truist does not offer reverse mortgages, construction loans, or home equity loans.
Rates and Fees
Truist does not currently charge a loan origination fee or any other type of fee to cover the costs associated with processing your mortgage loan.
Truist Mortgage rates currently vary from 3.99 to 4.9%. Of course, both the loan amount and your credit score will affect the mortgage rate you receive when you close on a house.
Truist Mortgage Process
Qualification Process
After submitting the required paperwork, Truist then verifies with third parties that the information entered was correct. Things like employment history, Social Security, income, past taxes are all reviewed. Also, during this time, your credit is analyzed.
While you’re waiting, don’t quit your job, buy a new car, apply for a new credit card or close a current one. Any changes that affect your credit score or employment can affect your loan approval.
Closing
The loan process typically takes between 30 and 60 days. Of course, it can be faster or slower. The amount of time it takes to process is usually contingent on the information you submit, as some things may need to be clarified or more information may be needed.
The property appraisal can also affect the closing time frame. If the purchase price exceeds the appraisal, you and the seller may need to renegotiate a new purchase price. Sometimes this can work to the buyer’s benefit, and sometimes it can cancel the purchase altogether.
Truist Mortgage Special Features
Borrowers can go through the entire process online and have a large variety of loan options to choose from. Customer service is top-notch and can be reached via phone, online chat, email, or select physical locations nationwide.
Truist Mortgage Reviews
Truist Mortgage reviews reveal a generally positive customer response towards the company’s services. Many borrowers highlight the efficiency of Truist’s loan processing and the clarity in the application process.
The responsiveness and helpfulness of the loan officers are often commended, contributing to a smoother mortgage financing experience. However, some customers have noted variations in service quality, especially during busy periods, which points to potential areas for improvement.
Importantly, Truist Mortgage’s commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating of A+. This rating is a testament to the company’s emphasis on providing great customer service.
Truist’s competitive interest rates and diverse loan options are also frequently praised by customers. While individual experiences and specific rates may differ, the overall impression from Truist Mortgage reviews is one of professionalism and a customer-focused approach in their range of services.
Bottom Line
Truist is a first-rate mortgage company that offers high-level customer service and a streamlined application process available in both Spanish and English. Their rates are either on par or exceed that of their competitors, and their website is exceptionally intuitive.