Lesson 4 - Get Pre-Approved For a Mortgage
Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval
Pre-qualification is a general look at what you can afford, not a
true approval or analysis of your buying capabilities. Agents in some
parts of the US are accustomed to pre-qualifying buyers for home loans.
In other areas the specifics of the qualification process are between
you and your lender, but the agent will likely want to be assured
that you can indeed purchase a home in the price range you are looking
at. Your agent should be able to provide you with a list of lenders
in your area.
It's nearly always a good idea to get pre-approved before you shop
for a house, and that can only be done by a lender or a mortgage
broker working with a lender. Pre-approval means the lender has
verified that you can indeed purchase a home loan in a specific
price range. It doesn't mean any loan of that amount will be approved,
since other factors come into play during the home buying process.
For example,
Lenders usually require that the home appraises for the amount
of the sale or the amount of the loan.
Some loans may be denied if there are structural problems with the
home.
Lenders vs. Mortgage Brokers
Lenders provide the funds used to pay the seller at closing. Banks
are a common example of lenders that individuals deal with.
Mortgage brokers shop around to find a lender who will make the
loan. Mortgage brokers typically deal with banks, individuals and
groups of investors.
Truth In Lending Act
The Federal Government requires that lenders give you specific
information about the costs associated with a loan, so that you
understand the costs and to allow you to make comparisons. You will
receive some disclosures when you apply for a loan and others before
the loan closes.
Disclosures include
The amount being financed and the annual percentage
rate.
Any points or fees associated with the loan.
Your due date and terms.
Whether or not the loan is assumable.
Service fees and prepayment penalties.
Click on Secure Quick Quote and get
Pre-Approved Today!
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