Mortgage101: Application Process
Getting a loan to buy a house may seem like a complex and difficult process, but it doesn't have to be. Just spending a few minutes getting familiar with the mortgage types and process will put you way ahead of the game and make the application process much easier.
The Mortgage Application Process
Prequalification: the first step, and what it allows you to do
Preapproval: why you need one and how to get one
Final Application: how it works and what you need to do
Lenders: What are the types of lenders and what does each one do?
Government & Private Agencies:
What they are and how they can help you buy the home of your dreams.
Loans
What are the different types of loans available and how do you choose the right one for you?
Types of Mortgage Loans
Fixed vs. ARM? Subprime or Interest Only? Zero Down or Reverse?
Terms of Mortgage Loans
15 vs. 30 year, the advantages and disadvantages of each
Rates
The math may be hard, but the ideas are easy to understand. Read through this and you'll know more than many professionals about mortgage rates, and be better prepared to buy a home.
Prequalification
Many mortgage lenders are happy to give you an initial estimate of how much money they will lend to you for a home purchase and a letter that documents that amount. Read More >>Preapproval
Preapproval is quickly becoming the standard for homebuyers. It is basically a full loan application without the property, and once preapproved, the lender makes a commitment to lend you a specific amount. Read More >>Full Application
If You Are Already Preapproved: Call with the Address: It's easy to complete the full application if you are already preapproved with that lender; all you need to do is provide the address of the property you want to purchase and keep an eye on the process as the inspectors, appraisers, insurance agents, title and escrow officers do their work. Read More >>Lenders
As the buyer, you may not care who issues the loan, as long as the money shows up. But how much you pay for that loan can be influenced by the company you choose to work with. Read More >>Government & Private Agencies
The US government has been interested in helping people buy homes for many decades, and it has established several organizations and many home buying programs. Read More >>Loan Types Overview
It seems like there are dozens of different loan types, how can you cut through all of the jargon and choose the right one for you? Read More >>Rates
The biggest cost when you borrow money for a mortgage is the interest. Read More >>
