1. You’ll start with realistic expectations. Picture this: after weeks of searching, you finally find that perfect home. Not too big, not too small, just the right amount of outdoor space, bedrooms, bathrooms—but then you find out the loan amount is just out of reach. If you talk to a mortgage lender first, you can find out exactly how much house you can afford, saving you a lot of time and energy.
2. You’ll have time to get prepared. Securing a loan often means sourcing a lot of paperwork—from W-2s and paystubs to bank statements and personal financial statements. If you wait until you’re ready to make an offer to get pre-qualified for a mortgage, it may take longer than expected to obtain these documents, and you may lose the chance to make an offer on the home.
3. You’ll flex your purchasing muscles. Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage not only shows that you’re credit-worthy, but also that you’re a serious contender. Homebuying can be extremely competitive, and that piece of paper will often give you an edge over other buyers. Plus, you won’t have to spend time digging up all of those financial documents when you have to quickly make an offer.
4. You’ll get a better understanding of your options. 30- or 15-year? ARM or fixed? There are a lot of different mortgage types to think through, and different options become available to you depending on your circumstances—for instance if you’re a first-time homebuyer or a veteran. Some options might seem more appealing if you have certain goals, like paying down your mortgage faster. A conversation with your mortgage lender will help you determine the best avenue.
At United Community Mortgage Services, our top priority is listening to the needs of prospective homebuyers and setting them up for success in the marketplace—long after they close on their home. If you’re ready to take the next step, we’d love to help navigate your journey. Visit ucbi.com/mortgage to set up an appointment with a mortgage lender today!
