If you are in the process of looking for a home, then one of your first steps will be to get pre-approved. Today’s market is a tough one with higher mortgage rates, so it is a little more complex when getting a mortgage pre-approval.
According to Mortgage Reports, a pre-approval is the key. “When you’re ready to take the leap ino homeownership, your first step is mortgage preapproval….A mortgage preapproval is when a lender determines you’re qualified for a home loan. Your preapproval letter shows the maximum loan amount you’re approved for (your home buying budget), as well as the specific interest rate and loan term you can expect,” relays Mortgage Reports.
During the preapproval process your lender of choice will look at your finances to determine how much you will be able to borrow. Once a lender agrees on an amount for a loan, they can create a preapproval letter which will explain how much money you can borrow and your terms. In the current housing market it is a plus to know all your overall numbers
Not only is a preapproval good for understanding what you can borrow, but it will also show a sign that you are a serious buyer. It can help a seller feel confident in their decision to go with your offer. “…..getting pre-approved can actually improve your chances of falling into the seller’s good graces, and you’ll want to get it done as early as you possibly can in the home-buying process.”
Remember if you are in the market to purchase a home, hire a real estate agent who can help you through the process. They can help you with the lending process as well.