Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval
An important ingredient in a successful search is knowing how much you can afford. You don’t want to fall in love with a property only to find out it’s outside your price range.
That’s why we recommend getting mortgage pre-approval. This is a document from your bank or other lender stating how much of a mortgage they are willing to give you. There are two advantages to getting this pre-approval:
- It gives you the peace-of-mind of knowing you can afford properties you view on the market and won’t have problems arranging financing.
- It’s a sign to sellers that you are a serious, prepared buyer – which gives you the edge when making an offer.
You can arrange for mortgage pre-approval with your bank or other lender, or by working with a mortgage broker. We’re well-connected in the local real estate scene, so if you want us to put you in touch with a reputable broker or lender, please contact us.
How Much Can You Afford?
Banks and lenders use specific criteria to determine how much of a mortgage they’re willing to offer you. They look at your income, expenses, credit history and employment status, as well as the down payment you plan to make on a property. It may seem like a scary process, but it is actually straightforward. You can usually get mortgage pre-approval in a day. You’ll be glad that you did.
By knowing what you can afford, you can confidently shop within that price range. For example, if you qualify for a $250,000 mortgage, and you have another $100,000 available as a down payment, you can look for properties in the $350,000 range.
Have questions about arranging financing? Please submit the form below or call or email us.