Mortgage Qualification & Approval

Are you in the market for a mortgage to purchase a new home? If so, you may have heard the terms prequalification and preapproval. But what exactly are they, and are they the same thing? While both terms sound similar, there’s a big difference between the two – and understanding that distinction can give you...

Getting a mortgage preapproval letter is one of the best ways to show prospective sellers that you’re serious about – and capable of – buying a home. However, many consumers are unfamiliar with the process of getting preapproved for a mortgage. Fortunately, learning how to get preapproved is not nearly as complicated as it seems. ...

Prospective home buyers may assume that finding a mortgage lender is all about getting the lowest interest rate. While mortgage interest rates vary by lender and should be a major consideration, there are many other factors, too.  Learning how to choose a mortgage lender requires understanding how lenders make decisions regarding mortgage applications.  In this...

Thinking about buying a home and getting a mortgage to pay for it? Then you need a crash course in debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Lenders use your DTI to determine if you’ll be able to afford your monthly mortgage payments. That’s why knowing this powerful percentage can help you get a mortgage. What Is Your Debt-to-Income...

A good credit score is like having a strong professional network – it opens a lot of doors for you. Behind those doors, you may find perks, like qualifying for a higher spending limit on a credit card, being approved for larger personal loans, and earning lower rates on mortgages and home equity loans. While...

If you need money for renovations, repairs, emergencies or debt consolidation, a home equity loan is a great way to borrow the money you need at a low interest rate. But, if you’re dealing with bad credit or other money issues – like a high debt-to-income (DTI) ratio or not having enough home equity –...

Buyers are taken much more seriously when they are pre-approved. Learn how that pre-approval status can be lost so that you can prevent it from happening to you.