What is Mortgage Pre-Approval and Why Is It Essential
Before you can purchase a home, you must first get approved for a mortgage loan. The process is much simpler and faster than you might think–especially when working with an established mortgage broker.
A mortgage pre approval letter indicates you’re in a strong position to buy a home, as the lender has assessed your financial situation and determined you qualify for a mortgage. It’s an essential document that will make you stand out from other buyers when making an offer on a property – which is why it’s important to find a lender who provides this service.
When Should I Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval?
The ideal time to obtain mortgage pre-approval is before you start shopping for your dream home. Doing this gives you an estimate of how much you can spend and helps ensure you remain within budget.
Additionally, getting pre-approved helps you avoid falling in love with a house you cannot afford. If you’re already looking for your next home, now is an excellent time to get pre-approved so that when the ideal property becomes available, you can quickly make an offer and begin the mortgage process.
How to Receive Mortgage Pre-Approval for Yourself
In order to be approved for a mortgage loan, you must meet several qualifications. Lenders evaluate your income, debts and credit history in order to decide if you’re suitable. They also take into account your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which measures how much you can afford monthly payments toward debt obligations.
To demonstrate your employment and have enough funds saved for a down payment and closing costs, you’ll need your pay stubs, tax returns, personal documents such as a driver’s license and Social Security card.
If you have a substantial amount of debt or are not yet debt free, it could take more time to be approved for a mortgage loan. Lenders need to assess whether you can manage the extra strain and expense associated with repaying your new loan.
Furthermore, if you’ve recently relocated, changed jobs or opened new accounts, your lender is likely to inquire about these developments. These events can cause confusion and uncertainty regarding your financial stability, so it is essential that you maintain contact with them until approval for a mortgage.
How to Enhance Your Credit Score Before Receiving Mortgage Pre-Approval for You
If your credit score is too low or you have other financial obstacles preventing you from being preapproved, it’s essential to address those concerns before beginning the search for a home. This could involve paying off debt, saving up for a larger down payment or correcting errors on your credit report.
It’s wise to obtain multiple mortgage pre-approvals in order to compare rates and fees. Doing this can save you thousands of dollars over the course of a 30-year mortgage, but it may lower your credit score; thus, FICO suggests limiting the number of pre-approval applications submitted at once to no more than three in any given month.