Start with a clear picture of where you stand.

Before you start looking at homes, it helps to understand your starting point.

I’ll review your information and walk you through what works for you and what to consider next.That way, you’re not guessing. You’ll have a clear price range and more confidence as you begin your search. It also puts you in a stronger position when you’re ready to make an offer and helps keep the process moving smoothly.

To get started, fill out our mortgage pre-qualification form. With a pre-qualification letter in hand, you know that you may get approved for a mortgage before you even look at your first potential new home.

Determine how your credit looks.

Lenders will look at your payment history, income, and current debts to determine how likely you are to pay your loan each month. The number value assigned to your “reliability” is known as your credit score and is one of the biggest factors in getting approved for a mortgage.

There are many websites that allow you to quickly check your credit & credit score for free. Two of our favorites are www.freecreditreport.com and www.myFICO.com.

If you have a credit score below 640, consider delving deeper into your report to make sure it is accurate. Stay current with all monthly payments and reduce debt where possible to boost your score.