Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Key takeaways: First-time homebuyer: Anyone who hasn’t owned a primary residence in the past three years Common first-time homebuyer qualifications: Credit score, debt-to-income ratio, down payment, income limits, employment history, purchase limits, homebuyer education Buying your first home? Let’s get started. Generally, no.

Debt-to-income ratio

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

For example, if you use a bank for your loan you may already have a pre-existing relationship with them and they sometimes offer very competitive interest rates. Have you tried calling a bank on a Saturday night to get a pre-approval letter? The waiting period will vary based on the type of loan and the lender.

Finance

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

If you’re unsure where to start, check with HUD-approved counseling agencies, non-profit organizations, and local housing authorities to find available courses. State and local programs: Cities and states may offer down payment assistance, forgivable loans, or closing cost help. These require just 3.5%

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

The difference between these two accounts is that traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax, so youll be taxed once taking them out. Here are some factors to consider: Pros of buying a home with 401(k) funds Easier qualification process: With most loans, theyll examine your finances and run a credit check in order to approve the loan.

Debt-to-income ratio

Housing Wire

DECEMBER 28, 2023

“I’ve got several pre-approvals out there where people just can’t find what they want and the rates are throwing them off,” Don Monson, branch manager at Sente Mortgage , said of the challenges he faced in 2023. Most years that number is closer to 30%, said Ullmann, who’s been an LO since 2012.

Loans

HomeLight

FEBRUARY 12, 2021

You’ve just received the first offer on your home — and it’s backed by an FHA loan. So what do you need to know about FHA loans as a seller? Today, FHA loans represent a fair share of the mortgage market; in 2018, the FHA insured 12.1% FHA loans help make homeownership more accessible.

FHA loan

HomeLight

OCTOBER 22, 2021

It’s tough to say without a mortgage approval, but it always helps to start with a home affordability calculator. You may be wondering how affordability calculators work if you’re ready to get some numbers down on paper before showing up for a pre-qualification meeting with a lender. with an FHA loan.

Pre-qualification

RIS Media

DECEMBER 19, 2020

Pre-qualifying for a mortgage is often the first step toward owning a home. Here’s some information that can help you to figure out how and when to apply for a loan this year: Pay Attention to Falling Rates. Another good way to figure out how to apply for a loan is to look at the types of loans that are out there.

Loans

Realty Biz

DECEMBER 10, 2020

It is effortless to start looking at homes that you will later find you can’t afford when you try to get approved for a mortgage. As such, this qualification process will only give you a rough idea of the size of mortgage you can get. Comparing a Mortgage Preapproval to Full Approval. The Mortgage Pre-approval Process.

Loans

Realty Biz

MARCH 30, 2023

There are fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages, hybrid loans, reverse mortgages, and FHA loans that all come with varying interest rates. Documentation and the Pre-Approval Process Pre-approval is a must for anyone looking to purchase a home.

Mortgages

HomeLight

OCTOBER 5, 2020

” She adds, “You need a strong pre-qualification letter from a legitimate lender, and there’s no getting around that. There is a process you must follow to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Bank statements can also be used for certain mortgage loans if you have a non-traditional job or a side gig.

Short sale

Marco Santarelli

SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

FHA mortgage rates are typically higher than conventional mortgage rates, but they can be a good option for borrowers with lower credit scores or smaller down payments. The minimum credit score for an FHA loan is 580 with a 3.5% However, many FHA lenders require credit scores of at least 620. can qualify for an FHA loan.

FHA loan

HomeLight

AUGUST 31, 2020

For example, both conventional and FHA loans offer first-time buyers the opportunity to purchase a home with only 3% down (conventional) or 3.5% down (FHA). USDA Rural Development loans also allow for 100% financing (or 0% down). You may have a preapproval, but a preapproval does not guarantee formal loan approval.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

JUNE 28, 2021

Due to the nature of how a home becomes a “HUD home,” purchasing one differs from the traditional homebuying process, and there are a few qualifications, special incentives, and risks that any savvy homebuyer should be aware of. Get pre-qualified with a mortgage lender. Find a HUD-approved agent. No problem!

Pre-approval

The Close

MAY 28, 2025

620 Conventional loans FHA loans VA loans Jumbo loans Average turn time is 42 days Visit Better Mortgage Conventional: 6.75% FHA: 6.625% VA: 6.5% 620 Conventional fixed-rate loans FHA loans VA loans Jumbo loans Investment property loans Underwriting can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks Visit U.S.

VA loan

Realty Biz

FEBRUARY 7, 2023

Some of the most popular include conventional loans, FHA, VA, and USDA. Each of these types of loans has its pros and cons. Some will have specific qualifications. For example, a VA loan is excellent because it is a no-down payment option. VA loans are specifically for the armed forces.

Pre-approval

HomeLight

OCTOBER 27, 2020

If you are employed full-time, and your salaried job is your only source of income, you can usually get away with providing your W-2s and a paycheck stub when applying for a loan — you won’t need to provide tax returns. That’s not true of every loan, though. VA (Veterans Affairs) loans typically require a credit score of 620 or higher.

Debt-to-income ratio

Realty Biz

SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

Government-backed programs: Government-backed mortgage programs, such as FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans, often have more relaxed credit score requirements. Seek professional advice: Working with a mortgage professional, such as a loan officer or mortgage broker, can provide valuable guidance.

Finance

Realty Biz

APRIL 8, 2024

This includes checking your credit score, saving for a down payment, and getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Online mortgage calculators can provide a rough estimate, but getting pre-approved by a lender will give you a more accurate figure. What Is a Mortgage Pre-Approval? What Can I Afford?

Pre-qualification

Redfin

JULY 31, 2024

Understand loan options: Learn about different mortgages like conventional, jumbo, and government-backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA). Prepare thoroughly : Improve your credit score, set a budget, and get pre-approved to streamline the home-buying process and secure a favorable mortgage. Did you know?

Pre-approval

Realty Biz

DECEMBER 12, 2022

Mortgage Pre-Approval and Pre-Qualification Are Not The Same. Securing conditional approval for a mortgage is the optimal method for determining the amount of borrowing capacity. Obtaining preapproval does not guarantee approval of a mortgage. percent with an FHA loan.

Debt-to-income ratio

RIS Media

AUGUST 5, 2020

The 2019 – 2020 State of Asia America Report , an annual AREAA publication, provides a snapshot of the state of AAPI homeownership pre-COVID-19. Just 6 percent and 2 percent of Asian loan applications are for FHA loans and VA loans, respectively. AREAA represents more than 17,000 members across 41 chapters.

VA loan

Lab Coat Agents

NOVEMBER 20, 2024

The seller’s lender must approve the assumption, guaranteeing the buyer is creditworthy and capable of managing the mortgage payments. This approval process helps protect the lender’s interests while offering flexibility for buyers looking to save on their home purchases. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Purchase and sale agreement

Realty Biz

SEPTEMBER 23, 2023

When choosing a buyer's agent, consider factors like experience and qualifications. Understanding the mortgage process, including prequalification and pre-approval, is also essential. Understanding the Mortgage Process When purchasing a home, understanding the mortgage approval process is essential.

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

AUGUST 16, 2021

This loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration is ideal for those with low savings or a just-OK credit score. You can qualify for loans with as little as 3.5% That said, some of these loan programs make you a more attractive buyer than others. “If Here are a few of your options.

Loans

HomeLight

MARCH 6, 2023

Closing costs in California average about 1% of the home’s sale price , and there are other pre-paid costs to consider as well. Typically, the higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be, which saves you money over the life of the loan. Loans are between 3%-3.5%

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

MARCH 18, 2022

Skipping the pre-approval. Pre-qualification and pre-approval exist to help you when you’re shopping around for a mortgage. Not only can they verify that you’re financially qualified to purchase a home (long before you start looking), but they also let you know what size loan you can afford.

Mortgages

HomeLight

MARCH 2, 2023

Closing costs in California average about 1% of the home’s sale price , and there are other pre-paid costs you might have as well. Typically, the higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be, which saves you money over the life of the loan. Loans are between 3%-3.5% Visit this link on the U.S.

Closing

Marco Santarelli

OCTOBER 6, 2023

However, certain programs like FHA loans and VA loans allow for lower credit scores. FHA loans can accept a credit score as low as 500 with a higher down payment, while VA loans often require a credit score of 580. Buying a house with no money down is possible, but it requires a good credit score.

VA loan

Windemere Buying

OCTOBER 18, 2021

Not getting pre-approved Getting pre-approved is a key component of the early stages of the buying process and will help to maximize your chances of getting your offer accepted. Because new credit changes your debt-to-income ratio, lenders will likely want to review your mortgage approval and your risk of non-payment.

Pre-approval

Marco Santarelli

JULY 10, 2024

This is significantly higher than the pre-pandemic rates, which hovered around 3-4%. Possibility of Faster Approval Process: The terms and rates are already established, potentially leading to a quicker approval process. USDA Loans: Designed for rural property buyers and are also assumable.

Pre-qualification

Redfin

AUGUST 29, 2024

Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) Another major factor that a lender will consider when approving your mortgage loan is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Jumbo loan: Also known as non-conforming loans, jumbo loans exceed the limits set by conforming loans.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

APRIL 7, 2023

Get pre-approved for a mortgage My advice to first-time homebuyers is to find a good loan officer and get pre-approved, fully underwritten approval is best. Work with that loan officer and their agent to understand what timeframes they’re comfortable with in an offer.

Pre-approval

HomeLight

MAY 31, 2021

Conventional home loans are private loans that aren’t secured by any kind of government program, and these are available through banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies. The minimum down payment can be as low as 3%, but that is contingent on the buyer’s qualifications. Do you offer points, and should I use them?

Mortgages

HomeLight

APRIL 11, 2022

The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice — or quality control standards — require an appraiser to be impartial and “ not favor a predetermined outcome ,” according to the Appraisal Foundation, the nation’s Congressionally authorized source of appraisal standards and qualifications.

Loans

HomeLight

AUGUST 16, 2021

The higher your score, the more likely you’ll be approved for a mortgage, and the better rate you’ll be offered. Grab your free annual credit report for all three credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) from government-approved site AnnualCreditReport.com. Here’s a quick breakdown: Loan type. FHA (government-backed).

Closing costs

The Close

JULY 25, 2024

Financing Type Provide details about the type of financing being pursued, whether it's a conventional mortgage, FHA loan, cash, or another option. copy to clipboard This offer is contingent upon [list contingencies objectively, e.g., sale of current home, satisfactory home inspection, mortgage approval].

Earnest money deposit