Page 8 - Buyer Packet

LENDER PRE-QUAL. & PRE-APPROVAL

Pre-qualifying will help you in the following ways:

Many buyers apply ■ Generally, interest rates are locked in for a set period of time. Once in contract you will
know in advance exactly what your payments will be on offers you choose to make.
for a loan and obtain ■ You won’t waste time considering homes you cannot afford.
approval before they

find the home they Pre-approval will help you in the following ways:
want to buy. Why? ■ A seller may choose to make concessions if they know that your financing is secured.
You are like a cash buyer, and this will make your offer more competitive.
■ You can select the best loan package without being under pressure.

1. 2. 3.
How much can The closing
you afford? The down Your ability to costs associate

There are three key payment qualify for a with your
factors to consider: mortgage transaction

Down payment requirements ■ Property taxes (T),
■ The homeowner’s insurance (I).
Most loans today require a down payment of between 3.5%
and 5.0% depending on the type and terms of the loan. If you Your total monthly PITI and all minimum monthly payments
are able to come up with a 20-25% down payment, you may (from installments to revolving charge accounts) should be
be eligible to take advantage of special fast-track programs no more than 45% of your gross monthly income. These key
and possibly eliminate mortgage insurance. Depending on factors determine your ability to secure a home loan: Credit
your qualifcations there may also be loan options with no Report, Assets, Income, and Property Value.
down payment. Closing costs

Qualifying for the mortgage You will be required to pay fees for loan processing, Title

Most lenders require that your monthly payment range Company charges and other closing costs. You will also need
between 25-28% of your gross monthly income. Your some funds for your property taxes, insurance, and interest
mortgage payment to the lender includes the following items: on the new loan. These fees must be paid in full at the final
settlement, unless you are able to include them in your
■ The principal on the loan (P) financing. Typically, total closing costs will range between
■ The interest on the loan (I)
2-4% of your purchase price.