The first step in obtaining a loan is to determine how much money you can borrow.  In case of buying a home, you should determine how much home you can afford even before you begin looking. By answering a few simple questions, we will calculate your buying power, based on standard lender guidelines.

[av_button label=’Click here to Pre-Qualify.’ link=’manually,/find-loan-program’ link_target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ position=’left’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ color=’blue’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ admin_preview_bg=” av_uid=’av-vzgvpy’]

You may also elect to get pre-approved for a loan which requires verification of your income, credit, assets and liabilities.  It is recommended that you get pre-approved before you start looking for your new house so you:

1. Look for properties within your range.
2. Be in a better position when negotiating with the seller (seller knows your loan is already approved).
3. Close your loan quicker

More on Pre-Qualification

[av_tab_container position=’top_tab’ boxed=’border_tabs’ initial=’1′ av_uid=’av-30i5me’]
[av_tab title=’LTV and Debt-to-Income Ratios’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-tl8112′]
LTV or Loan-To-Value ratio is the maximum amount of exposure that a lender is willing to accept in financing your purchase. Lenders are usually prepared to lend a higher percentage of the value, even up to 100%, to creditworthy borrowers. Another consideration in approving the maximum amount of loan for a particular borrower is the ratio of monthly debt payments (such as auto and personal loans) to income. Rule of thumb states that your monthly mortgage payments should not exceed 1/3 of your gross monthly income. Therefore, borrowers with high debt-to-income ratio need to pay a higher down payment in order to qualify for a lower LTV ratio.
[/av_tab]
[av_tab title=’FICO™ Credit Score’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-rx5e3a’]
FICO™ Credit Scores are widely used by almost all types of lenders in their credit decision. It is a quantified measure of creditworthiness of an individual, which is derived from mathematical models developed by Fair Isaac and Company in San Rafael, California. FICO™ scores reflect credit risk of the individual in comparison with that of general population. It is based on a number of factors including past payment history, total amount of borrowing, length of credit history, search for new credit, and type of credit established. When you begin shopping around for a new credit card or a loan, every time a lender runs your credit report it adversely effects your credit score. It is, therefore, advisable that you authorize the lender/broker to run your credit report only after you have chosen to apply for a loan through them.
[/av_tab]
[av_tab title=’Self Employed Borrower’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-q5iso6′]
Self employed individuals often find that there are greater hurdles to borrowing for them than an employed person. For many conventional lenders the problem with lending to the self employed person is documenting an applicant’s income. Applicants with jobs can provide lenders with pay stubs, and lenders can verify the information through their employer. In the absence of such verifiable employment records, lenders rely on income tax returns, which they typically require for 2 years.
[/av_tab]
[av_tab title=’Source of down payment’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ av_uid=’av-nfy2c6′]
Lenders expect borrowers to come up with sufficient cash for the down payment and other fees payable by the borrower at the time of funding the loan. Generally, down payment requirements are made with funds the borrowers have saved. If a borrower does not have the required down payment they may receive “gift funds” from an acceptable donor with a signed letter stating that the gifted funds do not have to be paid back.
[/av_tab]
[/av_tab_container]

• Plan to live in home more than 7 years
• Like the stability of a fixed principal/interest payment
• Don’t want to run the risk of future monthly payment increases
• Think your income and spending will stay the same

• Plan to stay in your home less than 5 years
• Don’t mind having your monthly payment periodically change (up or down)
• Comfortable with the risk of possible payment increases in future
• Think your income will probably increase in the future

Income/Employment Check

Is your income sufficient to cover monthly payments?  Industry guidelines are used to evaluate your income and your debts.

Credit Check

What is your ability to repay debts when due?  Your credit report is reviewed to determine the type and terms of previous loans. Any lapses or delays in payment are considered and must be explained.

Asset Evaluation

Do you have the funds necessary to make the down payment and pay closing costs?

Property Appraisal

Is there sufficient value in the property? The property is appraised to determine market value. Location and zoning play a part in the evaluation.

Other Documentation

In some cases, additional documentation might be required before making a final determination regarding your loan approval.

1. Fill out your loan application completely. You may use our online forms to expedite the process.
2. Respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation especially if your rate is locked or if your loan is to close by a certain date.
3. Do not move money into or from your bank accounts without a paper trail. If you are receiving money from friends, family or other relatives, please prepare a gift letter and contact us.
4. Do not make any major purchases until your loan is closed.  Purchases cause your debts to increase and might have an adverse affect on your current application.
5. Do not go out of town around your loan’s closing date. If you plan to be out of town, you may want to sign a Power of Attorney.