Buying A Home January 18, 2017

Talk to a Lender Before You Start Your Home Search

Image result for mortgage brokersThe number of buyers searching for homes in Tacoma’s North End far exceeds the number of homes for sale, which often results in multiple offer situations that require buyers to compete for the house of their dreams.  For buyers who plan to finance their home purchase, obtaining loan pre-approval before submitting an offer is critical.  We actually encourage our clients to obtain loan pre-approval before they even begin house hunting in earnest to avoid scrambling when the right house comes along.  Getting your financing squared away before starting to look at houses can also give you a more accurate understanding of exactly how much home you can afford.  Sometimes buyers can afford more than they thought, sometimes less.  Sometimes issues arise during the pre-approval process that buyers need to resolve before moving forward.  Whatever the circumstances, it’s always helpful to have your ducks in a row and to know your true capacity to purchase before you begin looking at homes.

One of the many advantages of working with a local real estate professional is that we have relationships with (and can recommend) lenders who can help you with the pre-approval process, many times over the phone.  Then, once you’ve selected a lender, you’ll simply need to provide them with documentation of your assets, your debts, your credit history, your employment history.  Many potential buyers overestimate the down payment and credit score needed to qualify for a mortgage today.  You may be pleasantly surprised at what you can afford.

Mark Pinto is a top-producing Realtor with Windermere in Tacoma specializing in the purchase and sale of historic and luxury homes.  Click here to e-mail Mark or feel free to give him a call at (253) 318-0923.