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Preapproved vs. Prequalified - Know the Difference?

By
Real Estate Agent with Decorus Realty DRE# 3207607

www.OnePlaceOpenHouse.com

Each one of us can get quite excited when looking for a new home especially if it is our first time to do so. However, not all of us are aware of how to go about buying our first home. Although most people would say that you should look around first to know which house you would like to buy, this actually is not the best practice.

Most financial experts agree that securing a loan should be your first step towards getting the home of your dreams. By doing so, you can be sure that you have enough money to cover the needed payments. Although most people might get quite excited when they learn that they have been preapproved or prequalified for a loan, you have to calm down first and take a look at the difference.

A person who has been prequalified for a loan means a loan officer has deemed you worthy of getting a loan. However, this does not necessarily mean that you would be able to get the loan. The bank still has to check on your credit standing before granting you your loan. In contrast, a preapproved loan is as good as cash and you can start looking for a house.

Once you have been given a preapproved home mortgage loan, you have to get in touch with your real estate agent and have them look for a home that matches your needs and wants. Make sure that you indicate your budget to them so that you do not have to waste time looking over houses that are beyond your means.

Of course, once you have narrowed down your search for the right home, you should personally inspect the homes in order to be sure that it is what you need and that it is worth the home mortgages loan that you have been preapproved for.

Since you have been preapproved for a home mortgage loan, you can expect the process to proceed fast and smoothly. If ordinarily the whole process would take about thirty working days, you being preapproved can actually shorten the window to two to three weeks.


Contact an Access eMortgage Loan Officer to get your preapproval today!

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The Condo Shop | Decorus Realty

16850 Collins Avenue, Suite 105

Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

T: 786.704.8482 | www.TheCondoShopMiami.com

 

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Bryan Robertson
Los Altos, CA

Pre-approval carries more weight but these days it isn't a guarantee.  There are still brokers who offer pre-approval letters that some agents won't accept.

Oct 18, 2010 04:59 AM
Phil Stevenson, CRMP
PS Mortgage Lending 305-791-4874 or 888-845-6630 - Miami, FL
"Mortgage Nerd" in Miami, Florida and Texas

You could also get a LO that only pre-qualifies you and calls it a pre-approval.

Oct 19, 2010 02:39 AM
Anonymous
Andre

@ Bryan I agree!  Miami Best Real Estate full service team has a working relationship with several lenders and make it customary practice when working with buyers to literally begin the TBD conditional mortgage commitment.   

Oct 19, 2010 02:56 AM
#3