How to Assess Your Finances in 10 Minutes For Pre-Approval

By
Mortgage and Lending with Benchmark Mortgage NMLS# 247026

Are You 'Mortgage Pre-approval Worthy'? Learn How to Assess Your Finances in 10 MinutesFinding the right home and the right mortgage can take a lot of time and energy, so it's important to consider whether you'll be prepared for approval before diving into the process. Whether you've had some financial setbacks or you just want to have an idea ahead of time, here are some ways to quickly determine if you'll be pre-approved for a mortgage.

Do You Have A Down Payment?

You may have heard that the ideal down payment amount is 20% of the cost of the home, but this doesn't mean you have to have this amount. However, it is important that you have a significant chunk of change put away. This can signal to the lender that you're financially sound and will be able to come up with your monthly payment. A down payment will not only minimize the amount of money you owe the lender each month, it will also show that you know how to save and can be trusted with a significant financial investment.

Determine Your Credit History

Many potential homebuyers have financial hiccups in their history, but it's how they're dealt with that determines the future. While you may have considerable issues getting a mortgage approved if you're not paying your minimum payments on time and have debt, by making this change, you can have a positive impact on your credit history in a matter of months. You may also want to get a copy of your credit report to ensure there are no errors that have adversely impacted your score.

Do You Have A Solid Employment History?

It's very important to have a solid work history in the event that you're applying for a mortgage, as this will signal to the lender that you have the funds to make your monthly payment. Keep in mind that it's good to have at least 2 years of solid employment under your belt, and you'll need to provide pay-stubs. If you're self-employed or your recent job opportunities have been sporadic, this can cause issues with getting pre-approved.

It can take a lot of time to find the right house and the right lender, but if you have a solid history of employment and a sizable down payment you're well on your way to pre-approval. If you're preparing for purchasing a home and would like to learn more, call us today.

Comments (3)

Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Diane

These are good tips for potential borrowers. I find many are pretty surprised at the mortgage application/approval process, and sometimes what they learn about their personal situation. Some advance planning and investigation is a good thing!

Jeff

Mar 10, 2017 07:22 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Diane,  You cane up with a great blog as always.  Hope you are having a great week.

 

Mar 11, 2017 09:21 AM
Diana White-Pettis
Bennett Realty Solutions - Upper Marlboro, MD
GRI, CDPE, CNE, WHC Upper Marlboro Homes for Sale

Diane, this is a great blog.  Taking 10 minutes to assess one's personal finances for pre-approval will minimize buyer frustration because  they will have enough information to determine if they are truly ready to purchase or if they need more time to prepare.

 

Mar 19, 2017 10:13 AM

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