October 23, 2022
If you’re planning to buy a home this year, one of the first steps on your journey is getting pre-approved. Especially in today’s market when mortgage rates are higher than they were just a few months ago, getting a mortgage pre-approval can be a game changer. Here’s why.
To better understand why pre-approval is key, it’s important to know what pre-approval is. The Mortgage Reports explains it like this:
"When you’re ready to take the leap into 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."
As part of the pre-approval process, a lender will look at your finances to determine what they’d be willing to loan you. From there, your lender will give you a pre-approval letter to help you understand your true price range and how much money you can borrow. That can make it easier when you set out to search for homes because you’ll know your overall numbers. And with mortgage rates rising and impacting affordability, a solid understanding of your numbers is even more important.
Another added benefit is that pre-approval lets the seller know you’re qualified to buy their house. A recent article from realtor.com notes:
". . . getting pre-approved can actually improve your chances of falling into the sellers’ good graces, and you’ll want to get it done as early as you possibly can in the home-buying process."
Even though bidding wars are easing this year as the market shifts, preapproval is still an important part of making a strong offer. It can help a seller feel more confident because it shows you’re serious about their home and that you’re a qualified buyer.
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is critical. It helps you better understand what you can borrow and shows sellers you’re serious about purchasing their home. Connect with a local real estate professional and a trusted lender so you have the tools you need to succeed as a homebuyer in today’s market.
September 26, 2023
Mortgage rates directly impact the monthly payment you’ll have on the home you purchase.
August 31, 2023
If you’ve been in your home for a while, you might have gained a considerable amount of equity, too.
August 30, 2023
Here’s a high-level overview of the connection between the inflation and housing market.
August 29, 2023
The latest data shows plenty of buyers are still out there, and they’re purchasing homes today.
August 28, 2023
Here’s some information you may find helpful on why and where your peers are buying.
August 23, 2023
If you’re thinking about selling your house, a strong job market, growing wages, and the resulting buyer demand is fantastic news.
August 17, 2023
Since most are paying on time, a wave isn’t coming.
August 16, 2023
More people are buying less expensive newly built homes right now while affordability remains a challenge.
August 15, 2023
There aren’t many homeowners who are seriously behind on their mortgage payments.
We’re here to work alongside you to help you make informed decisions when buying or selling your home or investment. Contact us to get started today.