How to Pre-Qualify for a Shariah-Compliant Loan
Shopping for a new home or investment property? Before you start making offers on homes, you’ll want to pre-qualify your Islamic financing. And if you’re looking for a Shariah compliant loan, there are some details you’ll want to pay attention to. The ethical guidelines that a Sharia compliant loan adheres to change parts of the process. By taking the time to qualify ahead of applying, you can speed up approval and set yourself up for success. Prepare ahead of time, connect the dots, and learn how to qualify for a Sharia compliant loan below.
Start with
Your Financial Documentation
The process for qualifying for a Shariah loan
starts with getting your financial documents organized. Before meeting with a
financial institution, gather proof of your current financial picture. Bring
your last few pay stubs, your two most recent tax returns, and statements from
any bank and investment accounts you own. Be sure to list out all liabilities
you currently have as well. The better your paperwork is organized, the more
professionalism you’ll project. Staying prepared can help speed up the process
and set you up for success when qualifying for a Sharia loan.
Check Your
Credit and Stay on Top of It
While interest is not factored into your payments
with a Shariah compliant loan, lenders still
care about your credit. Your credit history shows your track record of making
payments and meeting financial obligations. Request a copy of your credit
report, review it for any errors, and dispute them as quickly as possible. Work
to pay your bills on time, and keep your credit card balances low. Properly
maintaining or building your credit will help you qualify for a Sharia loan and
show lenders you’re a low-risk customer.
Calculate Your
Down Payment and Affordability
Since most Shariah compliant loan structures
require larger down payments than traditional loans, determine what you can put
down before you start your search. Financial institutions typically ask for at
least 20% down. Not only will this show you come to the table with built-in
equity, but it also lowers the risk for you and the bank. Evaluate your monthly
income and expenses to determine what you can comfortably afford. From there,
calculate what you can pay each month. Establishing these numbers now can set
realistic expectations as you start house hunting. It also allows you to browse
efficiently and ensures you won’t become house poor.
Understand
Your Financing Options
Each Shariah loan is set up slightly differently,
which is why it’s important to do your research ahead of time. The two most
common types are Murabaha and Diminishing Musharakah. With Murabaha, the
financing company will purchase the property for you and then sell it to you
for a profit. Diminishing Musharakah allows you and the bank to own the
property together, paying the lender back over time. Researching your options
for Sharia home loans not only allows you to choose what’s best for your
situation, but it can help you ask the right questions about Islamic loans and Islamic
financing.
Confirm Your
Property is Shariah-Compliant
As with most loans, not every property will
qualify for financing. Since a Shariah home loan is asset-based, the use of the
property is taken into consideration. Make sure that the property you are
purchasing will be used to conduct a halal business. Financing will not be
approved if the property is going to be used for businesses that are forbidden
by Sharia law. These include, but are not limited to, alcohol-related
businesses, nightclubs, casinos, and more. By confirming your intended property
qualifies ahead of time, you can avoid delays in the process.
Finalize Your
Path to Ethical Financing
Qualifying for a Shariah home loan doesn’t have
to be difficult. As long as you know what to expect and stay organized, you can
simplify the process. Working to provide qualifying information for each
section will prove you’re a capable candidate when applying for the loan. So
take time to understand what materials you need, and cross them off your list
as you go. Simplify your journey to homeownership and learn how to qualify for
a Sharia loan with the right support.

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