Buying a Home

Today’s home buyers are faced with a myriad of choices. It can be – to say the least – a very confusing process.

First and foremost, homebuyers have discovered that by initiating the loan process at the beginning helps to answer questions.
Such as:

• Can I afford to buy?
• What is my upper limit on sales price?
• How much cash do I need?
• Or even, "I bounced a check when I was a freshman in college. Does this mean I have less than perfect credit?"
• Do I need to sell my old home before I can buy a new one?

The questions above may seem basic, but they are very typical. Every consumer has his or her own personal list of questions that need to be addressed. The Internet can be informative but it does not lend itself well to personalization. Real Estate Agents are invaluable when it comes to the choice of a home, but financing is usually not their area of expertise.

The individuals most qualified to answer you financing questions are loan officers and underwriters. As mortgage bankers, First Integrity loan officers and underwriters have the knowledge and the authority to answer your questions. This free service is called Pre-Qualifying. When armed with answers to your questions you are better prepared for the home buying and mortgage loan processes.

After you have been pre-qualified by First Integrity, it will be time for you to judge your personal situation. The decision is whether or not the timing is appropriate for you to take the next step and be pre-approved for a mortgage. When we pre-approve a customer for a loan we confirm in writing your approval for a specific loan type and amount, provided the information that you give is verified as accurate. Being pre-approved puts you in a much stronger position when negotiating with a seller.

Most professional real estate agents either insist, or recommend, that customers be pre-approved for their mortgage loan…and for good reason. Real estate agents know that in a fast, "seller's market", good houses do not stay for sale very long. The most competitive buyer wins. A pre-approved buyer is far stronger than one who is not. It can mean the difference between success and disappointment.

What if you have a home to sell before you can move? It is a common dilemma. Do you buy the new house first, then try to sell the old one? Or, do you sell the old one first, then buy the new one? There is always that nagging fear of double moves and/or double house payments.

We suggest you visit our Pre-Approval For A Mortgage Loan.