Getting Prequalified Is A Simple Way To Ease Into The Process
If youre curious how much you may qualify to borrow, getting prequalified can be a valuable step in the home-buying process. Its quick and easy to do, and depending on the type of prequalification, may not affect your credit report. Youll need to provide some basic financial information, such as debt, income and assets. With this knowledge youll be able to answer: How much house can I afford? Or crunch your own numbers to estimate your monthly payment, affordability and more.
Lets get you closer to your new home.
Prequalification helps you see how much you might be able to borrow.
Learn More About The Benefits Of Prequalification And Preapproval
As you look for a home, you may be asked to get prequalified or preapproved. Before you start, its important to understand the difference.
When you want to talk to a lender to establish a general range of home prices, you can get prequalified, which is simply a lenders estimate of what you could potentially borrow.
This can be completed easily and conveniently online, in person, or over the phone in just a few minutes with basic information like your income and expected down payment.
When you want to give yourself a competitive edge over other buyers in the market, you can get preapproved. Having a preapproval lets sellers know that you already qualify for the home financing which greatly increases your chance of having your offer selected.
Unlike prequalification, preapproval is a more specific estimate of what you could borrow from your lender and requires documents such as your W2, recent pay stubs, bank statements and tax returns.
The lender will then use these documents to determine exactly how much you can be preapproved to borrow.
Once youre preapproved, youll have 90 days to find a home you love. Then you can lock your rate and complete your application.
Whether you choose to get prequalified or preapproved, you will have a better sense of whats in your price range and can hunt for a house with confidence.
What Do I Need To Get Pre
Do you know the documents needed to get approved for a mortgage? Getting preapproved for a mortgage is a significant step in the home buying process.
While pre-qualifying can seem appealing because it requires so much less work, pre-approval is way more likely to help you make a successful offer on a home.
In other words, there is a difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval.
Pre-approval shows that you are likely to get a mortgagewhile pre-qualification only indicates that there is a possibility that you could get a mortgage. Especially in competitive markets, pre-approval is a must-have before you start making offers.
If you feel a little daunted by the amount of paperwork you have to gather and complete to get pre-approval, you are not alone. Most home loans require extensive paperwork. It will take you some time and effort to get everything ready and complete the application process.
One serious bonus to going through the pre-approval process, though, is that you will be well-prepared for the actual mortgage application process. Most of what you do in pre-approval will apply to the official application.
After picking a lender, this is precisely what they will be looking for to complete the application and pre-approval.
Here is a list of documents you will need for most of the popular mortgage programs for buyers.
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A Completed Application Form
It might feel obvious, but it’s worth saying: Make sure to double-and-triple check the application form, and don’t forget to sign it!
Once youve compiled everything together, pass it on to your preferred lender, who will look into your income and expenses. Provided that everything goes well, you can begin to look around for a new home, but make sure to act quickly, as most pre-approvals are only good for three to six months.
It’s important to note that getting a pre-approved mortgage doesnt guarantee unconditional approval from your bank for any property, as they have the right to refuse you depending on the property that youre looking to buy. For example, the bank may not back small apartments, hobby farms, or a home in poor repair.That said, once a bank has issued you a formal pre-approval for a mortgage,you can have the confidence to start really looking for a new home: Sellers will take you seriously because they know theres a bank thats ready and willing to back up your offer with the purchase price.
Preparing To Apply For A Mortgage
Youve found a new home and now youre ready to apply for a mortgage. Or, youve decided to stay where you are and refinance. Its perfectly natural to be a little apprehensive about the mortgage application process, especially if you are a first-time home buyer.
Rest assured, your loan officer at Maple Tree Funding will help make applying for a mortgage or refinancing your home as stress-free as possible. Listed below are the types of documents you will generally need when applying for your loan. It can vary depending on the lender, but this should give you a good sense of the documentation you will need.
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What Is Mortgage Prequalification
Prequalification is an early step in your homebuying journey. When you prequalify for a home loan, youre getting an estimate of what you might be able to borrow, based on information you provide about your finances, as well as a credit check.
Prequalification is also an opportunity to learn about different mortgage options and work with your lender to identify the right fit for your needs and goals.
Why Apply For A Mortgage Pre
A mortgage pre-approval is an important part of the home buying process. If you are pre-approved, it means that a lender has stated that you qualify for a mortgage loan based on the information you have provided, and subject to certain conditions. A mortgage pre-approval often specifies a term, interest rate and principal amount. Although not a required step, it is helpful as it can give you a clearer picture of how much house you may be able to afford.
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Whats Next After You Get Pre
So, youve been pre-approved for a new mortgage loan. Congratulations!
Now what?
First, give a copy of your pre-approval letter to your real estate agent. That way, they can share it with sellers agents when youre ready to make an offer.
Next, gather documents that youll need when you actually apply for a mortgage loan, including your W-2s, bank statements, federal tax returns, recent pay stubs, and info on your debts and liabilities.
Lastly, just because youre pre-approved doesnt mean youre locked in. In the meantime, dont make any big financial changes, such as quitting a job or putting a big purchase on credit. If you can avoid opening new accounts or closing existing lines of credit, thats wise, too.
A mortgage pre-approval letter can be an excellent tool when shopping for a new home. The process may require a bit of work on your end, but a pre-approval letter can make you an appealing buyer and make the official mortgage application process a bit simpler.
When youre ready to apply for a mortgage, you can use Credible to compare rates from multiple lenders and submit an online application for approval.
When Should I Get Pre
If you are aware of issues with your credit history, applying for a loan could help you identify the issues and allow you time to fix them. The more time between your initial inquiry and doing your serious home shopping, the more time you have to address credit problems. This will also help you better prepare for closing costs and your initial down payment.
Also Check: How To Know How Much Mortgage I Can Afford
What Documents Are Needed For Mortgage Pre
One way to stay organized through the process is to create a mortgage pre-approval checklist with all the documents needed for the mortgage pre-approval. Some of the items you need to have at your disposal include:
- Current bank statements and other investments accounts
- Social security numbers, income and employment details for two years
- Current pay stubs
- Most recent tax returns, including W-2s and 1099s
- Lists of any other assets or debts
The Maximum Amount You Can Borrow
You can figure out roughly how much of a mortgage you can afford by using the same calculation the banks use to qualify you. The maximum amount you can borrow is based on two formulas: the Gross Debt Service Ratio and the Total Debt Service Ratio. For the GDS, no more than 30 to 32% of your household’s gross annual income should go to housing expenses, including the mortgage payment, property tax, condo maintenance fees and heating. For the TDS, your debt repayments should not exceed 37 to 40% of your household’s gross annual income. Debt repayments include mortgages, credit cards, car loans and personal loans.
If youd like to understand what you can afford, try out Scotiabank’s mortgage calculator available through eHOME. It only takes a few seconds and you don’t need to fill out an application to access it.
If you don’t meet the qualifications to borrow as much as you need for a property, some options to consider are looking to reduce your debt, increasing your down payment or searching for lower-priced property. If you’re worried that you won’t qualify because you’re a newcomer to Canada or a temporary resident, then Scotiabank offers special mortgage products suited to your needs.
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How Do I Get A Mortgage Pre
First, find out how much you can spend on a mortgage with our mortgage affordability calculator. Then book an appointment with us for more help. Meet with usOpens a new window in your browser..
Scott on: CIBC Mortgage Advisors
Dont forget, once you find your dream home, you need to complete a full application to be approved for a mortgage2.
Ensure you have all the documents necessary for the mortgage application process with our required mortgage documents checklist .Opens a new window in your browser.
Documents Needed For Mortgage Pre
To begin the loan pre-approval process, youll want to have several documents ready for the lender.
Its important to remember that the documents one lender requires may be different from those of another. Regardless, these are the most common documents requested when seeking mortgage pre-approval and should help you get started.
Personal Information
Age, marital status, number of kids and their age. Two pieces of government issued identification is a must.
Expect to provide information on where youve lived over the past few years as well. That includes the details if youre renting or living with parents and have dependents .
Social Insurance Number
Verified through your SIN card, tax documents, or other official documents that show your SIN. The lender uses this to confirm your identify and acquire your credit report / score.
Employment Information
A list of your current and previous employers dating back two years or more. That includes their name, address and contact information. A lender wants to verify your employment.
If youre self-employed, a statement of your finances from an accountant can be a good start. The lender may ask for more documentation such as tax statements to prove your self-employment and financials.
Bank Information
Have bank statements for each of your accounts prepared. Lenders want to make sure you have enough funds in your account to take care of extra costs associated with buying a home. Two examples are the down payment and closing costs.
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Questions To Ask Your Lender Or Broker When Getting Preapproved
When getting preapproved, ask your broker or lender the following:
- how long they guarantee the preapproved rate
- if you will automatically get the lowest rate if interest rates go down while youre preapproved
- if the pre-approval can be extended
Ask your lender or broker about anything you dont understand.
Should I Shop Around For A Mortgage Pre
You want to ensure you get the best rate for your loan, and every lender has different rate options and guidelines. One option to consider is working with an experienced, local credit union. Credit unions are the best financial institution in terms of providing trusted and affordable mortgage services.
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How To Get Pre Approved For A Mortgage Step : Check Your Credit
At least three months before you reach out to a lender for a pre-approval, its a good idea to review your credit report. This way, youll have an idea of what your lender will see and how that might influence your odds of obtaining a pre-approval.
Look for any errors or inaccuracies that could be hurting your credit score. Take steps to dispute the errors, and then follow up one to three months later to verify that they have been corrected. Disputes can take time to resolve.
How Long Does A Mortgage Preapproval Last
Your pre-approval letter will include key information: the interest rate, loan amount, down payment and other figures. Take the time you need to understand the contract, the fee structure and all other language. The letter should tell you how much time you have with the pre-approval, with the common timeframe ranging anywhere from 30 to 90 days.
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Documents You Need For Mortgage Pre
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a smart step before you go out looking for a home. A pre-approval letter shows sellers that you have already proven to a lender that you have the income and down payment to qualify for a mortgage loan. This allows sellers to take you seriously, especially in a hot sellers market. Pre-approval can be quick and painless, if you have the right documents lined up. While each lender may require slightly different paperwork, there are at least 4 documents that almost all lenders will need.
If you have questions about a Mortgage Pre-approval – give us at USA Mortgage Network, Inc. a call today at 413-737-1100.
Federal Tax Returns & Bank Statements
Other documents needed for mortgage pre-approval are federal tax returns and bank statements.
Lenders will usually request these documents going back at least two years.
For many filers, these come in the way of Form 1040s. You may also have different documents like Schedule C, Schedule C-EZ, Schedule SE or others, depending on your filing status.
For many borrowers, these are some of the easier files to gather among the documents needed for mortgage pre-approval.
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Proof Of Rental Income
If you receive monthly income from a rental property, and you want to use this income for qualifying purposes, youll need to provide information about the property.
This includes the address of the property and the copy of a tenants lease.
Your lender will use this information to verify the amount you receive in rental income each month.
Keep in mind, too, that the bank will compare this information with what youve listed as rental income on your tax return.
The good news:
Some banks also allow you to use projected rental income to qualify for a mortgage.
If you currently own a house and plan on renting it out, the bank will conduct a rental analysis to estimate the potential rental income.
Theyll use about 75 percent of this projected income for qualifying purposes.
If You Get Declined For Your Preapproval Dont Despair
- Find out why you were declined, so you can figure out what to do to improve your chances of getting a loan in the future.
- Ask the lender to explain why you were declined. Was your credit score too low? Was there specific negative information on your credit report?
- Ask to see a copy of the credit score the lender used. If the lender used your credit score to deny your preapproval request, the lender must send you a notice with the credit score they used to make the decision and instructions on how to get a free copy of your credit report.
- If there are errors on your credit report, get them corrected.
- If you need help improving your credit, contact a HUD-approved housing counselor. You can find a counselor online or by calling 1-800-569-4287.
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The Various Stages Of The Mortgage Process
While this article focuses on the paperwork that’s typically needed for a mortgage pre-approval process, we need to touch on the other stages of the lending process as well. As a borrower, you might be asked for documents at various points along the way.
Here are some of the stages where you might be asked to provide them:
- Pre-Approval: During this process, the mortgage lender will review your financial situation to determine whether or not you’re qualified for a loan, and how much you are qualified to borrow. This happens before house hunting, hence the “pre” title. There are quite a few documents needded during the mortgage pre-approval process .
- Underwriting: During this process, the lender’s underwriter will carefully review the loan application and other supporting documents to ensure that the borrower and the property meet all appropriate guidelines and requirements.
- Conditional Approval: In some lending scenarios, the underwriter might issue what’s known as a conditional approval. This means the borrower is one step closer to closing, but the underwriter still needs some additional documents or information in order to give the final “clear to close” sign-off.
- Closing Day: When all is said and done — and all of the loan documents have been prepared, reviewed and finalized — the borrower can attend closing and finish up the process.
