You'll know what you can afford
No matter how much you think you can spend on your home, it's crucial to set a budget from the get-go. Luckily, getting pre-approved by your lender of choice will help you gauge the proper price range for your new place.
It gives you more negotiating power
When you're buying in a market as competitive as Denver's, every advantage matters. Having a pre-approval letter shows sellers that you're serious—which means they're more likely to accept your offer.
It makes your offer more relevant
When a seller knows that your information has been reviewed by a certified mortgage underwriter, they'll feel more confident proceeding with the sale. They won't want to waste time with unqualified buyers!
It will help you save, not spend
Buying a home is a fun process, but you might get caught up in all the excitement and start dreaming a little too big. Having a pre-approval letter means you'll have all the financial information up front...so you'll probably stick to your budget.
You'll get the keys faster
Getting pre-approved is the easiest way to streamline the entire moving process. If you're looking for a speedy closing, you'll want to have that letter on-hand as soon as possible!
Have Questions?
Adam French, Senior Mortgage Loan Originator with Elite Financial Team
Whether you're looking to get pre-approved or just have a few question, you'll feel at ease after talking to Adam! He's our go-to expert on all things mortgages, and as a Denver native, he has the info you need to make the right choice.
Understanding Your Mortgage
Ready to chat about mortgages? Most buyers need one, and there are a lot of options that vary greatly—but there's definitely something out there to suit your needs. If you're not sure where to start, we've broken down the basic types and components of home loans for you so you can get a feel for what you're looking for.
Types of Mortgages
Mortgages aren't a "one-size fits all" deal...but there are four common types that most buyers prefer.
Conventional Mortgage
Many buyers with good to excellent credit turn to this type of loan, which usually requires a down payment of at least 10%. However, some programs offer options for lower down payments based on buyer credit and location.
FHA Mortgage
These loans often apply to buyers with lower credit scores, but they also offer a down payment as low as 3.5%...as well as low interest rates. However, FHA mortgages do also require mortgage insurance premiums, which can result in higher overall costs.
VA Mortgage
All veterans and active military members can apply for loans sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs. These offer up to 100% financing, simplified loan approvals, and lower interest rates. They can be much lower than conventional loans.
USDA Mortgage
These loans are available to buyers in rural or low-density areas and offer up to 100% financing and below-market interest rates. The ideal candidate has an average income, lower credit score, and is buying a more modest home.
What Do Mortgages Include?
There are four main components that go into a mortgage payment, and they're often abbreviated as "PITI."
Principal
The repayment of the initial amount you borrowed from your lender.
Interest
A payment to the lender for the money borrowed, which is then added on to the initial price of your home.
Taxes
This includes your annual city and county taxes assessed on your property, which are then divided by the number of annual mortgage payments you make.
Insurance
Your monthly homeowner's insurance payment covers you against various hazards and is included in your mortgage payment.
Let's Go Shopping!
Many buyers believe that they don't have many options when it comes to mortgages, but that couldn't be further from the truth! There are plenty of factors to consider as you shop for the right loan and lender, and it's crucial to search for the best deal.
Don't just go with the first lender you find—be sure to check out all of your options and compare the pros and cons of each loan. Not sure what's available to you? Don't worry—we can help with that!
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
The interest rate on a FRM will always stay the same, so your monthly payments won't change. Their predictability makes them a popular choice amongst buyers.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
The interest rate on an ARM will often be lower initially, but as interest rates do fluctuate with the market, they can be somewhat unpredictable or even result in higher payments.