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Mortgage Qualification & Approval

A woman sits at a laptop and reviews a copy of a verified approval letter.

Advantages of Getting a Verified Approval Letter

If you’re trying to buy a house in a competitive market, you’d be wise to look for any advantage you can find to set your offer apart from the competition. A verified approval letter could be that competitive edge. We’ll explain what they are, how they can benefit you, why they’re appealing to sellers and...

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A couple researches what they need to do to qualify for a mortgage.

Qualifying for a Mortgage: A Beginner’s Guide

Most people don’t have the cash to purchase a home outright. They need to take out a loan to do it. That’s where mortgages come in. Mortgages, also known as home loans, are different from other loan types because of the risk involved. These loans are typically worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, so lenders...

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Conceptual image of mortgage paper work and keys to a home

Home Buying, Simplified: 5 Steps with Helpful Resources

Buying a home can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. That’s where we come in. We’ve broken down the process into five straightforward steps, including resources to help you complete each one.  As the adage goes, “How do you climb Mt. Everest? One step at a time.” 1. Organize Your Finances Your first order of...

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hand holding lots of credit cards for topic credit score to buy a house

What Credit Score Do You Need To Buy a House?

Between our roller coaster job market and saving for a down payment while battling inflation, buying a house can feel unattainable for many of us. Add to that our anxiety over good or bad credit scores, and it may feel like you’ll never own a home.  But contrary to popular belief: You don’t need a...

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Person sitting at their desk job

Can You Get a Mortgage or Refinance a Loan Without a Job?

The employment scene looks very different today than it did just a few years ago. And more of us are wondering whether we can get a mortgage or refinance our home loans without a traditional 9-to-5. In this article, we’ll explain how you can qualify for a mortgage without a job. Is It Possible To...

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How To Get an FHA Loan Preapproval

You know you’re ready to become a homeowner. But when you apply for a conventional loan with a bank, credit union or online lender, you’re getting turned down. Maybe it’s because you’re a first-time buyer and your credit score isn’t high enough or you haven’t built up enough of a credit history. Or maybe you’ve...

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Military gear

How To Get a VA Mortgage Preapproval

To thank veterans for their service, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helps to guarantee VA home loans made by lenders like banks, credit unions and online lenders. When you start shopping for a home with a VA loan, you may find several lenders in your area that offer VA loans. If the program seems...

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Letters

What’s a Preapproval Letter for a Mortgage?

During your home buying journey, your real estate agent or a home seller might ask you to provide them with a mortgage preapproval letter. This document is a clear signal that you’re serious about buying a home and can make a serious offer. In some cases, not having a preapproval letter might keep you from...

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Person making a checklist

Mortgage Preapproval Checklist Guide

Open houses and viewings are an exciting part of the home buying process, but for many aspiring homeowners, the journey starts before they step foot in a house that’s for sale. It starts with a mortgage preapproval. Getting preapproved is an optional, but important, step because it can streamline the process of buying a property,...

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How To Increase Your Mortgage Preapproval Amount

You got your finances in order to help you buy your dream home, and you organized a tall stack of paperwork to get a mortgage preapproval. You did everything right. But with home prices on the rise, you might discover that the price tag on your dream home is higher than the amount you’ve been...

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Why Your Mortgage Loan Can Be Denied After Preapproval

You cleaned up your credit history, saved a large down payment and applied for a mortgage. Now your lender has given you that coveted preapproval letter, and you’re ready to shop the real estate market. That’s great news! But home buyers must be aware that it’s possible to have a mortgage application denied even if...

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Do Student Loans Affect Buying a House?

Going to college and buying a home are both important milestones, but student loan debt might make them feel like conflicting goals. Luckily, you can pursue both higher education and homeownership by understanding how loan debt might affect your mortgage. Read on to learn how student loans factor into getting a mortgage and get some...

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