Understanding the Differences Between ‘Prequalified’ And ‘Preapproved’ For a Mortgage

Are you in the market for a new home? If you are going to rely on mortgage financing to cover some of the purchase cost, you will need to start the application process as soon as possible. However, what if you just need to know how much you will be able to borrow so you can start finding homes in your price range? Let's take a quick look at the difference between being 'prequalified' and 'preapproved' for mortgage financing. The Process Starts With Prequalification The first step in obtaining mortgage financing is to speak with a mortgage professional to get…
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4 Smart Money Habits That Will Help You Save up a Mortgage Down Payment Faster

Are you ready for home ownership? The prospect of owning your own house or apartment is an exciting one, but with any financial transaction this large there are some things to consider. The first is your down payment – that is, the initial payment you'll put against the cost of the house to reduce the amount that you're borrowing in a mortgage. Let's have a look at four habits that will help you to get your down payment saved up faster. Build (And Stick To!) A Reasonable Budget The first and most obvious tip is to stick to a reasonable…
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Closing Costs 101: Expert Tips for Keeping Your Costs Down When Finalizing Your Mortgage

Are you thinking about buying a new home? If you are going to make use of mortgage financing, you may be wondering about some of the costs attached. As you may have heard, all mortgages have a number of fees and other costs that are assessed at the "close," or when you finalize the loan. Let's take a look at a few expert tips that will help you to keep your closing costs to a minimum when you take out your next mortgage. Aim For Zero-Closing-Cost Options If Possible One question that you will want to ask your potential mortgage…
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First-time Buyers: Boost Your Chances of Mortgage Pre-approval With These 4 Tips

Buying a home for the first time? If you plan on taking out a mortgage, you will likely want to know just how you can get pre-approved for enough financing to get the home of your dreams. In today's post, we will share four tips that will help you to boost your chances of a successful pre-approval when you apply for a mortgage. Polish Up Your Credit Score It should come as no surprise that your credit score is one area every mortgage lender is going to inspect. Order a copy of your credit report and be sure to go…
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Is It Possible to Get a Mortgage With Less-than-Perfect Credit? Yes – and Here’s How

Are you thinking about buying a new house? Whether you're a first-time or experienced buyer, if your credit score isn't looking too hot it can affect how much mortgage financing you receive – or whether you're approved at all! But don't fret. It's still possible to get a mortgage approved, even with credit issues. Below we'll share a few ways that you can get a mortgage loan even if your credit is less than perfect. Consider An FHA-Guaranteed Mortgage For many individuals with credit issues, the Federal Housing Administration's guaranteed loan programs are a good choice. In essence, the FHA…
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You Ask, We Answer: What Kind of Fees Are Involved When I Get a Reverse Mortgage?

If you are approaching your golden years and seeking a bit of financial flexibility, you might want to look at a reverse mortgage. This unique financial product is only open to individuals over 62 years of age. It allows you to convert some of your home's equity into cash which you can use as needed in your retirement. Of course, a reverse mortgage isn't without its costs. Let's explore the fees that you will encounter when you take out a reverse mortgage loan. Upfront And Pre-Closing Costs The first step in getting a reverse mortgage (also known as a Home…
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