Getting preapproved for a mortgage is an important part of the home buying process. While technically not required before you begin your home search, there are some key advantages to getting preapproval from a lender before you get too deep into the process.
Here are some of the main reasons why to consider getting preapproved for a mortgage:
Cost is one of the major factors you’ll be dealing with in finding a new home. A house is a significant investment and one of the biggest purchases you’re likely to make, so it’s crucial to understand your financial situation clearly early on.
Mortgage lenders will examine your finances, using things like credit history, investment account statements and debt-to-income ratio.
With this careful analysis of your financial situation, a mortgage preapproval can help you determine how much you can afford to spend on a house before you start looking. It will help you estimate how much of a down payment you can offer and how high an interest rate you can comfortably afford while paying back your mortgage.
The real estate market is constantly changing, both across the country and across your local area. Economic shifts can make a huge difference in the availability of homes for sale and their prices. It can also make a difference in how much competition you’ll have for the same property.
Getting mortgage preapproval will give you an advantage over other potential buyers because it will communicate to sellers that you’re financially qualified and less of a risk.
As long as you don’t make any major changes that could affect your financial status, having mortgage preapproval shows you have the financing to back you up. Sellers may be more likely to choose you over another buyer if they have the reassurance of your mortgage preapproval letter.
While the mortgage preapproval process itself might seem daunting and complicated, the benefits can certainly outweigh the inconvenience. Keep these advantages in mind when considering whether to get preapproved for a mortgage.
Selina Zhao is a tech savvy real estate agent who brings over the top-notch marketing strategies, presentation, and negotiation skills to her clients. Selina always stays on top of the real estate market trends and stats. She applies strategies into different market situation and empower her clients to achieve their ultimate goal. During the first year of her real estate career in the Bay Area, she achieved an impressive $22.8M in sales. Selina’s experience on real estate sales ensure her clients get the care and attention they need as they make the crucial decision of buying and selling properties. Selina is vowed to provide excellent service, communication, and always an advocate for her clients.
Selina loves real estate, her career blended in perfectly to her daily life, and she loves to help others to achieve their American dreams. She works restlessly to get the work done. Immigrated from mainland China in 2007, graduated from University of Miami, Selina established her own online marketing company and her real estate career in Miami, Florida before moving to San Francisco in 2017. Her soul of entrepreneurship and cares for others encouraging her to pursue to be the best in the industry. Selina is also a former Miami HEAT video producer, who witness the team winning their 2012 NBA championship at the courtside.