Why should a first-time home buyer get pre-qualified for an FHA mortgage? There are a variety of reasons to consider, but one of the most important is being able to see how much home you can afford and how much loan a lender is willing to offer you based on your credit score and history.

FHA.com: Home Purchase and Refinance Loans

FHA Loan Programs for 2024

The most recognized 3.5% down payment mortgage in the country. Affordable payments w/good credit.

Are You Watching Your Credit Score?




- Improving Your Credit Score Has Never Been More Important -

FHA.com is a privately owned website, is not a government agency, and does not make loans.
FHA Home Loans

Choose a Loan Type

FHA.com is a privately owned website, is not a government agency, and does not make loans.

First Time Home Buyers Can Get Prequalified

February 2, 2019

first-time-03-5c59f9f009199.png
Why should a first-time home buyer get pre-qualified for an FHA mortgage? There are a variety of reasons to consider, but one of the most important is being able to see how much home you can afford and how much loan a lender is willing to offer you based on credit scores, credit history, debt ratio, etc.

What Does the First Time Home Buyer Prequalification Process Involve?

Getting pre-qualified means providing some basic, but crucial information to your lender including your monthly income and other information. Home loan pre-qualification;
  • Is based on the applicant’s income and assets;
  • A credit check may be involved;
  • Is available online and should be offered at no expense;
  • Is not the same as home loan preapproval and is not a commitment to the borrower.
Getting prequalified is a first step toward home ownership and shows a seller you are serious about making a deal and not just window shopping.

The prequalification process is tricky in that after looking at the numbers long enough, it won’t seem like a bad thing to consider spending more each month for the home loan. But establishing a budget is a very important part of this process-stay committed to the amount of money you can reasonably afford to spend on a mortgage.

Are You Ready To Pre-Qualify For A Home Loan?

If you don’t know how much your debt ratio is, or if you aren’t sure what your FICO scores are, you are likely not yet ready to begin the prequalification process as a first-time home buyer. You should know how much money you have coming in each month compared to how much is being spent, you should know your FICO scores and the contents of your credit report.

Do you know how much money you will have to use as a down payment? This is an important question for both the pre-qualification process and for your own budgeting needs. You may be able to find first-time home buyer down payment assistance by local programs in your area-be sure to ask the lender if she knows of any such programs that could help.

It is also very good to research the prices of homes in your preferred neighborhoods to see how the current housing market prices match up with the amount you can afford to spend on a monthly mortgage payment.

Looking at these areas before you begin the process will help you work better with your lender to decide how much loan is right for you.

Talk to a loan officer today if you are not sure how the pre-qualification process affects your ability to get approved for a home loan and purchase your first home.

------------------------------

RELATED VIDEOS:
Get Your Questions Ready for Your Loan Officer
The Last Part of the Transaction Is the Mortgage Closing
Know What You Can Borrow With Prequalification

Do you know what's on your credit report?

Learn what your score means.