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Why Pre-Approval Is So Important

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There are MANY factors that affect the rate and closing costs that you will be offered. It is up to you as a mortgage borrower to know how to find that "best deal", and make sure it is actually delivered as promised.

The mortgage loan process is not fun. It can be a pain in the neck, but it's crucially important, and borrows need to navigate the process correctly. What IS fun though, is saving money. If you understand all of the information presented here, you WILL get the best deal, and you WILL save money. So enjoy!

Factors that affect your loan (most of which are covered in the mortgage pre-approval worksheet that I provide to prospective clients, but not all of these issues can be addressed without your credit report):

Loan Purpose, …show more content…

The difference between pre-qualification, pre-approval, and final approval, and why it is so important that you know the difference.
5. Why pre-approval is so important (and why anything short of pre-approval assures you of nothing; Shop pre-approvals, not non-binding quotes and GFEs).
6. Why limiting yourself to dealing directly with a bank may very possibly not be your best bet.
7. Why you might choose a Correspondent Lender or Mortgage Broker.
8. Understanding the business model of your lender: What's in it for them, and, what's in it for you?
9. How YOUR rate and closing costs are determined.
10. What happens when your credit report is run.

1) How to choose a lender, mortgage broker, or someone else:

Lenders, correspondent lenders, mortgage bankers, mortgage brokers and loan officers can all theoretically get you a suitable mortgage loan, but how to differentiate one from another? For now, let's agree that a common attribute of all of us is that we are all human beings (though some are more civilized than others). So what qualities do you look for in any individual that you might choose to do business with? If you are not sure, I'll make a suggestion as to what to demand from a lender. You need to be able to trust the person. You must be able to trust their integrity and level of knowledge. How do you know if you can trust a lender's integrity? You must ensure that their business model is transparent (easily understood), and that all pertinent information is put …show more content…

In other words, you can skip the pre-qualification and start right in with the pre-approval. However, pre-qualification will not hurt you, UNLESS you put too much faith in it. What I mean is, the pre-qualification is simply a CONVERSATION, in which you might discuss your objectives and get an IDEA as to what may be available to you. However, since you have not provided any documentation at this stage, all you can do is get non-binding quotes and GFEs (that are designed to entice you), and you have NO GUARANTEE of anything (except that you may open yourself up to being taken advantage

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