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Get Pre-Approved

Unless you’re paying cash, obtaining a lender pre-approval is essential for setting a realistic budget and understanding the price range you qualify for. A pre-approval indicates that your lender is willing to lend you up to a specified amount, strengthening your position as a qualified buyer when making an offer.

Types of Pre-Approval:

  • Prequalification: Provides an estimate of your borrowing power based on unverified information. It’s a good starting point but lacks the rigor of a full review.
  • Pre-Approval: Involves a thorough review of your income, assets, debts, and credit documents. You can request this without a hard credit check, meaning it won’t affect your credit score.
  • Underwritten Pre-Approval: The most comprehensive option, where detailed financial information is verified and analyzed. A hard credit check is required, but you’ll be in a stronger position in a competitive market, avoiding unexpected delays during escrow and experiencing a quicker closing process.
 

Key Information Reviewed by Lenders:

  • Income and Employment History (pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, bank statements)
  • Outstanding Debt (loans, credit card balances)
  • Assets (savings, investments, retirement accounts)
  • Credit Report (payment history, credit length, overall credit score)
 
We’ll connect you with our trusted lending partners and get the ball rolling for you.  
 

What NOT To Do When Buying A Home

Avoid Making Major Financial Changes

To ensure a smooth home-buying process, avoid making major financial changes—such as changing jobs, maxing out credit cards, applying for new credit, closing credit accounts, making late payments, depositing cash, or co-signing loans—while home shopping and especially during escrow. Always consult your lender before making any decisions that could impact your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, or pre-approval  status.

1. Don’t change jobs.

Lenders evaluate income stability and prefer 2+ yrs employment history. Wait until after closing your home loan to consider any job changes.

2. Avoid large credit purchases or maxing out credit cards.

New debt could jeopardize your loan approval. Large credit purchases such as a car or furniture could impact credit score, credit utilization ratio, and debt-to-income ratio.

3. Avoid co-signing a loan for others.

This increases your debt-to-income ratio and reduces available credit, which lenders see as financial instability. If the primary borrower is late on payments, your credit score will be impacted. You are legally responsible for repaying the debt if the loan defaults.

4. Avoid late bill payments.

A history of late payments can lower your credit score, making it difficult to qualify for a loan. Late fees and penalties can add to financial strain. Timely payments protect healthy credit score and demonstrate financial responsibility and stability, which increases chances of loan approval.

5. Don’t open new credit cards or close any accounts.

A new credit card application triggers a hard inquiry for your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score.

6. Don’t switch banks.

Switching banks which may involve closing old accounts will shorten credit history.

7. Don’t make any large deposits without talking to your lender.

A pre-approval provides a clear understanding of what you can borrow, allowing you to set realistic expectations and eliminates disappointment of finding a home you love but can’t afford. It also demonstrates to sellers that you’re a serious buyer, making your offers more credible and competitive.

Find Down Payment Assistance

What Is Down Payment Assistance?

Down payment assistance (or DPA) programs are resources that help you with the upfront costs of buying a home —the #1 reason many buyers delay purchasing.

These programs can help cover:

  • Down payment
  • Closing costs
  • Prepaid expenses
  • Interest rate buydowns
  • Partial or full loan forgiveness
  • Grants (free money you never have to pay back)
  • Reducing your loan to value by about 6%, making it easier to qualify for a mortgage
 

Who Qualifies?

You don’t have to be a first-time buyer to qualify. Many programs are based on your income and location—and the income limits may be higher than you think.
 

There are thousands of DPA programs nationwide including:

  • HUD-funded initiatives
  • State, city, and county housing authority programs
  • Nonprofits and community land trusts
  • Federal home loan bank programs.
 
Fill Out Form Below to See What You Qualify For
 

Just enter a property address below and answer a few quick questions .  You’ll receive a personalized list of programs you’re eligible for based on your location, income, and property details.