Getting Pre-approved For a Loan

For a first time home buyer, you are taking on aThe preapproval process could take as long as a
monumental task, undoubtedly the largest task you willweek, but it is time well spent. Once you are armed
ever venture upon, financially speaking that is.with a preapproval, you will know exactly how much
Unfortunately, most of us don't have huge sums ofyou can spend.
money sitting around in our bank accounts to go outThe preapproval is also very powerful because the
and pay for a house in cash. We must find a lendingseller of the home wants to be sure that you have the
institution that will allow for us to borrow the money.financial backing to purchase their home if they decide
The fun part of buying a home is going out to look atto sell it you.
various houses for sale, and walking through whatThe preapproval is not to be confused with the pre
could very well be your dream home. But before youqualification. The pre qualification is determined by a
spend all of your time visiting open houses and walkingquick conversation with a loan officer who determines
through homes for sale, you will want to figure outyour spending power from a verbal standpoint. You
how much you can afford.are asked a series of questions about employment,
The last thing you want happening to you, is findingoutstanding debt, credit, assets, etc. Once this
your dream home, making a bid, having your bidinformation is taken, the process pretty much stops
accepted by the seller, than finding out a week laterright there. What the lender believes you can afford is
that you will not be purchasing the home because youmerely an estimate on their part, no verification of is
don't have the income to back it up.done on the information you provided them with.
To avoid this heart breaker, you will want to acquire aBe careful, this estimate could come back to haunt
preapproval from a lending institution.you if it was over estimated, so take the time and get
The preapproval process involves an in depth look ata preapproval.
your financial situation. The lender will examine yourWhen purchasing a home, allow for time to be on your
credit, verify your employment and annual salary, takeside. Take your time and find the right lender and
a close look at your outstanding debt as well as yourrealtor for you. And most of all, take your time, so that
assets, and determine what money if any you haveyou may find the perfect home for you.
available for a down payment.