Get a Pre-Approved Mortgage
- This article describes how a pre-approved mortgage can set you up for success. It’s part of our six-step guide to obtaining home mortgages on Florida’s Emerald Coast.
Pre-qualified vs. Pre-approved Mortgage
Your lender or bank can pre-qualify you for a mortgage with just a few simple steps. You provide your lender or bank with basic information about your finances, and they estimate the amount of mortgage you qualify for. They do not, however, complete a thorough credit report analysis or look in-depth at whether you can afford to buy a home. Often, they do not charge for pre-qualification.
While this is helpful, it’s not a sure thing. Therefore, in addition to pre-qualification, your lender can pre-approve you for a loan. With pre-approval, you will complete an official application and will probably need to pay an application fee. Although more involved, the pre-approval gives you a better idea of the interest rate you will pay. Equally important, you’ll be closer to getting an actual mortgage, and may have an advantage in competitive situations.
How to Apply for a Pre-Approved Mortgage
When you submit the application, the lender will also require information about you and your finances. Here are some of the types of information they may require:
- Proof of income such as W-2 statements, pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of additional income.
- Proof of assets with bank statements, investment statements, and gift letters.
- Good credit as verified by your credit scores.
- Employment verification.
You’ll need to check with your lender for their exact requirements.
What Should I Do Next?
Do you have questions about buying homes and condos on Florida’s Emerald Coast?
Call Thomas Williams at (850) 258-8670 or contact us online.
We specialize in homes, condos, waterfront properties, golf course homes, foreclosures, commercial real estate, new home construction and property developments. Our service areas encompass prestigious coastal communities in Northwest Florida. This includes Destin, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Watercolor, Watersound, and Alys Beach. It also includes Panama City Beach, Pensacola Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Navarre Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach. In addition, we serve other popular communities like Niceville and Freeport. They retain the old Florida feel and are close to the beach, bay, and rivers. Learn more about Florida’s Emerald Coast.