Should you get pre-approved prior to house hunting?

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Real Estate Agent with Fine Properties 3106292

The short and sweet answer is, YES!  Figuring out your purchasing power, determining which loan option is best and budgeting are crucial steps in the home buying process.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an important and easy  step in the home-buying process. Here's a brief overview:

1. Gather financial documents: Start by gathering important financial documents such as pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns, bank statements, and any other documents that demonstrate your income, assets, and debts.

2. Research and choose a lender: Research different lenders and compare their mortgage rates, terms, and customer reviews. Choose a lender that suits your needs and preferences.

3. Complete a pre-approval application: Contact your chosen lender and complete a pre-approval application. This involves providing your personal information, employment details, income, and the amount you wish to borrow.

4. Credit check and verification: The lender will perform a credit check to assess your creditworthiness. They will also verify the information provided in your application, such as employment and income details.

5. Receive pre-approval letter: If you meet the lender's criteria, you will receive a pre-approval letter. This document states the maximum amount you are pre-approved to borrow, based on the lender's evaluation of your financial situation.

6. Understand the terms and conditions: Review the terms and conditions of the pre-approval, including the interest rate, loan type, and any specific requirements or limitations.

7. Start house hunting: Armed with your pre-approval letter, you can confidently search for a home within your budget. Sellers often consider pre-approved buyers more seriously, as they have demonstrated their financial readiness.

It's important to note that pre-approval is not a guarantee of a mortgage. The final approval will depend on factors such as the property appraisal, title search, and underwriting process once you find a specific property.

Need a local lender you can trust?  Feel free to call or email me for a list of lenders I have partnered with over my near 20 year career in  Southwest Florida Real Estate.

 

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