Pre-approvals

Many buyers call their lender seeking information about financing. In the process, they become pre-qualified. That gives them a good idea of what they can afford, or more accurately, what loan amount they qualify for.

You should take it one step further, however, and ask to be pre-approved. When you become pre-approved, you actually apply for a loan. The lender checks credit, verifies employment, and often verifies that you have sufficient funds to close. Then once you find your dream home, just about the only thing left is the appraisal.

The reason savvy buyers obtain loan approval before shopping for a home is that it strengthens their negotiating position when they make an offer. All sellers want to sell their home to a pre-approved buyer.

Pre-approval can also cut days, even weeks, off the closing process.Pre-approval can really help you to determine your price range, which helps you narrow your choices of homes to buy. You will already know how much you can afford before you even start looking.

Call or email me if you would like the name of a lender to pre-approve you for a loan, or if you have any questions about preapproval. I am happy to help.