5. Get pre-approved
Get pre-approved for your mortgage before shopping for homes. A pre-approval letter from your lender lists what you’re qualified to borrow based on income, assets, and credit history. It also shows sellers that you’re not just window shopping — you’re serious about buying and ready to close on a home quickly. Many sellers refuse offers from buyers who haven’t been pre-approved, so it can save time and frustration later in the process.
6. Shop around for loans
When it comes time to get a mortgage, don’t fall for offers that seem too good to be true. Use online resources such as LendingTree or Find the Best to compare rates from several different lenders. Doing so will allow you to see which companies offer mortgages with competitive rates and fees, and ultimately help you find your best mortgage lender. And never settle on your first mortgage choice — it could save you thousands in interest payments over time!