Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval
An important ingredient in a successful home search is knowing how much you can afford. You don’t want to fall in love with a property only to find out it’s outside your price range.
That’s why I recommend getting a Mortgage Pre-Approval or better yet, a Fully Underwritten (FU) Pre-Approval. This is a document from your bank or other lender stating how much of a mortgage your are qualified to receive. There are two advantages to getting this fully underwritten pre-approval:
- It gives you the peace-of-mind of knowing you can afford homes you view on the market, and won’t have problems arranging financing.
- It’s a sign to sellers that you are a serious, prepared buyer – which gives you the edge when making an offer.
You can arrange for a Mortgage Pre-Approval or Fully Underwritten (FU) Pre-Approval with your bank or other lender, or by working with a good mortgage broker. I’m well-connected in the local real estate scene, so if you want me to recommend a reputable broker or lender, please contact me.
How Much Home Can You Afford?
Banks and lenders use specific criteria to determine how much of a mortgage they’re willing to offer you. They look at your income, expenses, credit history and employment status, as well as the down payment you plan to make on a home. It may seem like a scary process, but it is actually straightforward. You can usually get a Mortgage Pre-Approval in a day or a FU Pre-Approval in a few days. You’ll be glad that you did.
By knowing what you can afford, you can confidently shop within that price range. For example, if you qualify for a $800,000 mortgage, and you have another $200,000 available as a down payment, you can look for homes in the $1,000,000 range.
Have questions about arranging financing? Please submit the form below or call, text or email me.
Selecting an Agent Arrange Financing Viewing Homes Making an Offer Closing the Sale
