Many buyers call their lender seeking information about financing. In the process, they become pre-qualified. That gives them a good idea of what they can afford, or more accurately, what loan amount they qualify for.
However, you should take it one step further and ask to be pre-approved. When you become pre-approved, you actually apply for a loan. The lender checks credit, verifies employment, and often verifies that you have sufficient funds to close. Once you find your dream home, only the title report and appraisal are left.
The reason savvy buyers obtain pre-approval prior to shopping for a home is that pre-approval strengthens their negotiating position when they make an offer on a house. Every seller wants to sell his/her home to a pre-approved buyer. Pre-approval can also cut days, even weeks off the closing process.
Pre-approval can really help you to determine your price range and help you narrow your search parameters. You will already know how much you can afford before you even start looking for a home.
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