It is essential that all of our clients be pre-approved by a lender prior to looking at properties and making an offer on a home. This is for your protection. There is nothing more disappointing than finding a home that you love only to discover that you can't obtain financing! The pre-approval process is very simple and requires paying for a full credit report. You can expect to pay approximately $50.00 per married couple or $50.00 each for individuals who will be applying for a home loan. The loan officer will need your Social Security number, last 2 pay stubs, last 2 bank statements, last 2 years employment information, last 2 years W-2's (possibly), and last two years income tax returns (possibly). (Requirements will vary from lender to lender) The following article will be of interest to you regarding this subject: Should I Shop For A Loan Before I Begin House Hunting? Yes, Yes, and again, Yes! Knowing where you stand concerning how much money a lender will lend you (based on your income and credit rating) puts you in a strong bargaining position. As RealtorsŪ, we have been faced with many multiple offer situations in the current real estate market. We have many different buyers all looking for a similar type of property, therefore, when a desirable property comes on the market, the reaction is often swift and decisive. Don't set yourself up for disappointment - get pre-approved. Sellers faced with deciding between two buyers - one who is pre-approved by a lender and one who is not - may favor the pre-approved buyer. Pre-approval vs. Pre-qualifying A pre-approval is obtained when a prospective buyer pays for a credit report and supplies the lender with necessary documentation to determine employment and income/debt ratio. Upon pre-approval, the lender is able to give the buyer and their RealtorŪ a letter verifying a pre-approved loan amount and any other stipulations needed to obtain the loan. Other stipulations may be that the buyer must sell their existing property, or pay off a debt, or subject to an accepted Offer To Purchase contract, or subject to appraisal. This should all be detailed in the letter. You can be pre-qualified by simply giving the lender information via the telephone or the Internet*. The lender will generally give you a loan amount based on the information you have given them. This is all subject to verification and therefore is not worth much in the seller's eyes. Be a prepared buyer - take the time and effort to get pre-approved! *Note - We all love the Internet, but be careful when obtaining pre-approval from a company on-line. I recommend you also speak to someone in the local area as well in order to compare fees, interest rates, etc. Buyer Representation Back to Top Return to main Buyer Page Buying a home? Fill out our on-line Buyer Inquiry Form Selling a home? Fill out our on-line Seller Inquiry Form Relocating? Fill out our on-line Relocation Inquiry Form or call us toll free at 1-866-come2ky! Get on the "Fast Track" to home ownership! Sign up to receive home listings via email! REALTOR®, ABR, CNHS, CRS, GRI, SRES REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI REALTOR®, ABR, CCREC Email Cherie, Shirley, Kitty, and Linda: inquiry@welcome2ky.com Toll Free Phone: 1-866-come2ky (1-866-266-3259) Keller Williams Realty Bluegrass 2424 Harrodsburg Rd. Suite 101 Lexington, Kentucky 40503 You may NOT reproduce or copy any information, graphics or html contained herein (including the character "Lexie" and his likeness) for use on another website or other promotional materials without specific written authorization from Cherie Butler, Shirley DeBoor, Kitty Lane, or Linda Wiley. Violators will be subject to legal action for copyright infringement. In accordance with the law, the properties and real estate services featured on this web site are offered without respect to race, color, creed, sex, national origin, physical limitations, or familiar status. REALTORŪ is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSŪ and subscribes to it's strict Code of Ethics.