What should I do before making an offer - Pre-qualify or Pre-approve? What is the difference anyway?

You need to get in touch with a lender and make application with them. There are many types of financing options that are available to you depending on your down payment as well as your specific needs. We are a nationwide lender that can help you achieve this. Give me a call and I will be happy to help you. I would gather the last two years of W-2s a current bank statement and a current months pay stubs and have them handy. My number is 913-541-0303 ext137. I am located in Kansas City but lend in every state. This can all be easily handled through phone conversation, email and fax. Stonebridge National is a LPO of Guadalupe National Bank. Member FDIC. Hope to here from you soon!

A pre-qualification is definitely where you want to start. Get to know your payment and what variables you want to look out for when you are out shopping such as homeowners insurance, taxes and especially HOA dues. Don't forget to ask your chosen lender if there are any First Time Home Buyer programs such as Down Payment Assistance. For example, we currently have a program that allows up to $15,000 towards your First Home. These programs vary from location availability to types of homes that qualify.After finding these items out, get your time-line in order and see what items need to take place and when. This will definitely help in making your purchase a smooth process. Work with a trusted professional that has your best interest in mind.

To actually answer the question....yes..you should meet with your chosen mortgage professional to see what you would qualify for...some personal data will be given. This would be a prequal...to take it a step further a complete loan application would be taken and submitted into the automated underwriting system(AUS) which kicks out the findings with a conditional approval..this is a pre-approval...it makes a stronger offer. For complete details feel free to contact me...