Winter Guides / Why Pre-Approval Is Even More Important This Year

Feb 10, 2024 9:00 am

Why Pre-Approval Is Even More Important This Year


                                                    
 

On the road to becoming a homeowner? If so, you may have heard the term pre-approval get tossed around. Let’s break down what it is and why it’s important if you’re looking to buy a home in 2024.

What Pre-Approval Is

As part of the homebuying process, your lender will look at your finances to figure out what they’re willing to loan you. According to Investopedia, this includes things like your W-2, tax returns, credit score, bank statements, and more.

From there, they’ll give you a pre-approval letter to help you understand how much money you can borrow. Freddie Mac explains it like this:

A pre-approval is an indication from your lender that they are willing to lend you a certain amount of money to buy your future home. . . . Keep in mind that the loan amount in the pre-approval letter is the lender’s maximum offer. Ultimately, you should only borrow an amount you are comfortable repaying.”

Now, that last piece is especially important. While home affordability is getting better, it’s still tight. So, getting a good idea of what you can borrow can help you really wrap your head around the financial side of things. It doesn’t mean you should borrow the full amount. It just tells you what you can borrow from that lender.

This sets you up to make an informed decision about your numbers. That way you’re able to tailor your home search to what you’re actually comfortable with budget-wise and can act fast when you find a home you love.

Why Pre-Approval Is So Important in 2024

If you want to buy a home this year, there’s another reason you’re going to want to be sure you’re working with a trusted lender to make this a priority.

While more homes are being listed for sale, the overall number of available homes is still below the norm. At the same time, the recent downward trend in mortgage rates compared to last year is bringing more buyers back into the market. That imbalance of more demand than supply creates a bit of a tug-of-war for you.

It means you’ll likely find you have more competition from other buyers as more and more people who were sitting on the sidelines when mortgage rates were higher decide to jump back in. But pre-approval can help with that too.

Pre-approval shows sellers you mean business because you’ve already undergone a credit and financial check. As Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, says:

“Preapproval carries more weight because it means lenders have actually done more than a cursory review of your credit and your finances, but have instead reviewed your pay stubs, tax returns and bank statements. A preapproval means you’ve cleared the hurdles necessary to be approved for a mortgage up to a certain dollar amount.”

Sellers love that because that makes it more likely the sale will move forward without unexpected delays or issues. And if you may be competing with another buyer to land your dream home, why wouldn’t you do this to help stack the deck in your favor?

Bottom Line

If you’re looking to buy a home in 2024, know that getting pre-approved is going to be a key piece of the puzzle. With lower mortgage rates bringing more buyers back into the market, this can help you make a strong offer that stands out from the crowd.

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As you know, I’m a Licensed Real Estate Agent. However, I work a little differently than other agents. Most agents typically serve only one market. I can help you buy or sell a home anywhere in the U.S.! 

Don't get stuck with the wrong agent.

As a Relocation Specialist with Realty Connect, I belong to an nationwide network of over 25,000 top-rated agents serving every zip code in all 50 states. Instead of helping you buy or sell a home personally, I help match my clients with up to 3 great agents who specialize in your market. The best part? This is a 100% FREE service, so there is no cost, pressure or obligation! With my experience and connections, I can quickly help you find the perfect agent better than what most people are able to do on their own.

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Why Pre-Approval Is Even More Important This Year
On the road to becoming a homeowner? If so, you may have heard the term pre-approval get tossed around.
Learn more in my video.
Ready to buy a home ANYWHERE in the United States?

(Click here or above graphic to see video)
Want to chat or write?
Call/Text; 757-876-7443, Email: chris@realestatewithmrg.com

Winning Plays for Buying a Home in Today’s Market [INFOGRAPHIC]


                                                                                
 

Some Highlights

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Winter 2024 Buyer and Seller Guides are now available!
Receive a FREE copy of the Winter 2024 Buying and Selling Guides by clicking the link below: 
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Listen to all episodes of "Real Estate with Mr. G" as a podcast at: Real Estate with Mr. G Podcasts
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"Real Estate with Mr, G" Video Podcast. Saturdays at 7 pm
at https://www.facebook.com/realestatewithmrg

Don’t Wait Until Spring To Sell Your House
On the February 10, 2024 Video Podcast of Real Estate with Mr. G, we will “Don’t Wait Until Spring To Sell Your House!”
Topics include – Lower Mortgage Rates, Get ahead of your competition, Leverage your equity, and MUCH, MUCH MORE!

Great Episode as Mortgage Rates are changing.  View at: https://www.facebook.com/realestatewithmrg/

#HousingInventory #HousingInventory2024 #Housing2024 #Homebuyers2024 #RealEstatewithMrG
 
See you at 7 pm
As you know, I’m a Licensed Real Estate Agent. However, I work a little differently than other agents. Most agents typically serve only 1 market. I can help you buy or sell a home anywhere in the US!

As a Relocation Specialist with Realty Connect, I belong to an exclusive (nationwide) network of over 25,000 top-rated agents serving EVERY zip code in ALL 50 states. Instead of helping you buy or sell a home personally, I will help match you with up to 3 great agents that specialize in your market.

The best part? This is a 100% FREE service, so there is NO cost, pressure or obligation! With my experience and connections, I can help you find the PERFECT agent better than what most people are able to do on their own.
Ready to get started? Great! Please tell me a little more about your real estate goals by completing my referral request form. I look forward to helping you find a great agent! https://realtyconnect.pro/christopher-garguilo

Please feel free to contact me anytime with your Real Estate needs.  

Christopher Garguilo, Broker Associate, Licensed Referral Specialist
Realty Connect LLC
Scotland Square
Hampton, VA 23669
757-876-7443 / chris@realestatewithmrg.com

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