800-555-2098
If you are new to the home-buying process, you are probably aware that one of the best first courses of action is to get pre-approved before you start house hunting. So, you head to your bank or financial institution, but you have no idea what goes into the process of pre-approval. What do you need to get pre-approved? What should you expect? Here’s the low-down.
What is mortgage pre-approval?
First comes first. What is pre-approval, and why is it so important? Pre-approval is the first step to getting a mortgage. Your lender will take a look at your finances, your credit history, and your employment and determine whether you can afford to buy a home and, if you can, how much of a home you can afford to buy. That will help you narrow down your choices as you search for the right home within your budget. Getting pre-approved will also show home sellers and their realtors that you are ready to buy.
What do you need to get pre-approved?
To help the pre-approval process go smoothly, before you sit down with a mortgage professional, make sure you check your credit reports. Resolve anything negative, such as bills in collections, and dispute any errors. For most loan programs the disputes will need to be resolved and closed out prior to your loan application. This will give you the highest and most accurate credit score for mortgage qualifying. Higher credit scores will allow for a quicker loan process with lower interest rates.
Throughout the mortgage process, don’t apply for any new credit cards, don’t take on any new debt or make any large purchases, don’t close any of your current credit accounts, and don’t ask any of your creditors to lower your credit limit. These could significantly alter your chances of getting a mortgage.
Pre-Approval Document Checklist
- Drivers License
- Social Security Card
- Most Recent 2 Years W2 statements
- Most Recent 2 Years Tax Returns (If Self Employed or Commission Based)
- 1 Month of Paystubs
- 2 Months of Bank Statements
- Quarterly Retirement Account Statement
- Proof of 12 Month Rent History (may not be required)
For pre-approval, you’ll also need to provide documentation of the last two years of tax returns; proof of income including W-2s and pay stubs; a written referral letter from your landlord with some proof that you’ve been paying your rent in time (such as carbon copies of checks or money orders); two forms of government identification such as drivers license and social security card; and proof of income from other sources, such as government assistance and child support. Lastly you will need to document any assets. This will include any money you have in stocks, IRAs and retirement accounts. Also make sure the money for your down payment and closing costs are in the bank, ready to go.
Request a mortgage pre-approval by phone or online
Once you have gather the required documentation you can call a loan officer at 1-800-555-2098 to get start over the phone or apply online at https://riverbankfinance.com/app which is our online secure loan application. A licensed loan officer walk you through the pre-approval process and help to review all available loan options. Many times we are able to issue a pre-approval over the phone or online within minutes.
What happens when you get pre-approved?
Once you are officially pre-approved your loan officer will provide you with a Pre-Approval Certification. This document will state that we have reviewed your loan eligibility and have determined that you are likely to qualify for the loan program given. Your Realtor will ask for this document before you start shopping for a home. You may also want this updated prior to writing an offer on a home to make sure it matches your bid.
Related: Visit our Mortgage Calculators to estimate mortgage payments
So, when you’re feeling ready, come and visit us here at Riverbank Finance, and we can help you start the pre-approval process. Call us at 800-555-2098 to schedule an appointment with one of our professional loan officers. We want to help you get into your new home!