Buyers Searching for Dream Homes Outnumber the Number of Homes for Sale
In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for dream homes outnumbers the number of home sales. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. There is onne way to show you are serious about buying your dream home. Get pre-qualified or pre-approval
for a mortgage before starting your search.
So, even if you are in a market that is not as competitive, understanding your budget will give you confidence. You’ll know if your dream home is within your reach.
Here, You Can Find Some Advantages to Pre-appoval
Freddie Mac lays out the advantages of pre-approval in the ‘My Home’ section of their website:
“It’s highly recommended that you work with your lender to get pre-approved before you begin house hunting. Pre-approval will tell you how much home you can afford and can help you move faster, and with greater confidence, in competitive markets.”
One of the many advantages of working with a local real estate professional is that many have relationships with lenders who will be able to help you through this process. Once you have selected a lender, you will need to fill out their loan application and provide them with important information regarding “your credit, debt, work history, down payment and residential history.”
Freddie Mac describes the ‘4 Cs’ that help determine the amount you will be qualified to borrow:
- Capacity: Your current and future ability to make your payments
- Capital or cash reserves: The money, savings, and investments you have that can be sold quickly for cash
- Collateral: The home, or type of home, that you would like to purchase
- Credit: Your history of paying bills and other debts on time
Getting pre-approved is one of many steps that will show home sellers that you are serious about buying, and it often helps speed up the process once your offer has been accepted.
Bottom Line
Many potential homebuyers overestimate the down payment and credit scores necessary to qualify for a mortgage today. If you are ready and willing to buy, you may be pleasantly surprised at your ability to do so.
