You've heard that this is a great time to buy a house. There is lots of inventory, prices have come down, and mortgage rates are low, so you are ready to jump in.
Step 1
Contact a mortgage broker. It is important that this be the first step because a good mortgage broker will go over your employment and income history and your credit to help determine what price range you qualify for. It is important to be truthful with your mortgage broker and provide all the information they need in a timely manner to speed the process along.
Many people wonder why they can't start looking for a house and THEN call the mortgage broker. There are a few reasons:
- Your mortgage broker helps determine the price range and payment that you are comfortable paying and you can reasonably qualify for. There is no point starting the home search process until you know that information. Wouldn't it be terrible to search and fall in love with a $300,000 home only to learn that you can't afford more than $225,000?
- Your mortgage broker can also give you information about things you can do to make your credit more attractive to the bank.
- If you have a pre-approval or pre-qualification letter from a reputable lender it makes for a stronger offer when you find a house you want to buy.
It is important that you are comfortable with the mortgage broker that you choose. This person needs to be someone who is responsive and patient with your questions and who keeps in touch with you throughout the process. The home buying process can be very stressful and it is critical that you surround yourself with professionals who can help make this process as easy as possible. It's ok to change mortgage brokers if you are not satisfied with your current broker.
If you are ready to begin the home buying process give me a call. I will be happy to provide referrals for good mortgage brokers in your area.
If you are interested in offering a FREE home buying seminar for your local group, give me a call.
If you or someone you know would like information about buying, selling, or renting a home in Prince George's, Montgomery, Charles, Anne Arundel, Howard, and/or Baltimore Counties please contact Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh of EOP Real Estate, LLC.
Donations made to charity with every successful closing!
Dr. Stacey-Ann Baugh
EOP Real Estate, LLC
www.staceybaugh.com
staceyannbaugh@gmail.com
240-481-3565 (C)
240-206-7283 (O)
FINALLY! A DOCTOR WHO MAKES HOUSE-CALLS!
Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed!
Stacey-Ann, this is a very well written post, outlining the first step. Buyers who are prequalified are in a terrific position to take advantage of the current market! Thanks Stacey-Ann!
Great post Stacey-Ann We can't say this enough times. Hope it brings in buyers for you. I know you will treat them right.
Getting prequalified/preapproved, strengthens your bargaining position and say "I'm a serious buyer." For the agent, it allows you to invest the time to select home without worrying about whether or not they will ever qualify for the loan to buy the home.