Why You Should Apply for a Home Mortgage Before Searching for a Home

Why You Should Apply for a Home Mortgage Before Searching for a Home

  • Shonda Draughn
  • 12/5/22

Buying a house can be challenging. Outside of touring available properties and finding the right realtor, arranging your finances in anticipation of such a major purchase can be a major headache. The nation is currently experiencing higher-than-average mortgage rates and a looming recession, which are not ideal conditions for prospective homebuyers. However, there are still effective and cost-saving ways to purchase luxury townhomes in Raleigh, NC, without breaking the bank.
 
Applying for a mortgage before beginning the search for your ideal home takes the guesswork out of funding, establishes a clear budget and interest rate, increases validity from the seller’s perspective, and helps you make a more informed home-buying decision. Make your offer confidently, knowing you have already begun the mortgage application process and have a greater understanding of your financial options.

Increase buying power

When selling luxury real estate in the Triad, owners look for tuned-in buyers with funding, drive, and a thorough understanding of their mortgage options. Having pre-approval or even approval for a mortgage boosts your presence as a ready buyer and sets you apart from the rest. Applying for a mortgage before shopping around gives you the power to make solid offers and establish a clear budget. You can anticipate your monthly payments, explore alternative lending options, and show the seller how serious you are about Durham, NC, luxury real estate. To learn more about pre-approval, look at this recent article from CBS News.
 
Many prominent sellers are listing their homes in the tech-infused area of North Carolina known as the Triangle, and the demand for luxury homes for sale in Raleigh and the surrounding areas are getting higher and higher. Buyers need to stand out in this crowded marketplace, and simply getting pre-approval for a mortgage shows the realtor your financial capability and sturdy buying history. With multiple offers coming in for the same luxury property, many are struggling to stand out. Applying for your mortgage increases your buying power and jump-starts the homebuying process.

Establish a budget


When purchasing high-end land or townhomes, establishing a clear budget is necessary for long-term sustainability. Consider the stability of your current career path, as well as the potential investment opportunity regarding the purchase of a rental property. From there, you can make an informed decision about how much you can spend or how big your initial offer can be. However, your perspective on pricing will only be crystal clear if you seek pre-approval for a mortgage or simply apply and weigh out your options.
 
Applying for a mortgage before exploring Durham real estate tells you just how much you can spend and provides the buyer with a solid foundation and an educated idea of monthly payments and interest rates. Costs will expand beyond the price of the home, as moving costs, realtor’s fees, taxes, and potential renovation expenses may arise during the buying process. Be prepared to spend, and make the most informed decision by meeting with lenders early in the game.

Get your offer accepted


Offers based on speculation or an “idea” of how much you spend are not nearly as confident as an educated offer backed by mortgage pre-approval. Sellers will ask about your mortgage journey during showings or initial meetings, and coming equipped with pre-approval shows the realtor that you are a serious, committed buyer. Being pre-approved for a mortgage means that a legitimate lender or bank has verified your finances, credit history, employment, and bank statements. Luxury realtors and sellers seek out buyers with pre-approval, and any buyer with pre-approval will surely be favored over others.
 
Making an offer with the right financial backing and legitimacy ups your chances of acceptance, helping you nab your dream home effectively and promptly. In fact, many realtors require a pre-approval letter as well as income and employment verification before submitting offers for select properties. Desirable listings usually come with these requirements, and you do not want to miss out on a gorgeous home or mansion due to a lack of pre-approval. Consult your bank, or explore different types of lenders before attending any showings, and increase the chances of offer acceptance!

Get your house faster

The biggest advantage to getting your mortgage options in line is the speed with which you can submit offers, counter-offers, and ultimately close on your dream home. Buyers prepared with a pre-approval, or at the very least, a solid credit history and steady income, are much more attractive to sellers and realtors than those without these resources. Ask anyone who has purchased property, and they will tell you how time-consuming and tedious the process can be. The entire homebuying experience can be expedited by applying for home financing early and thoroughly, even before shopping around for that perfect property.
 
Get those keys in your hand quickly and at a better, more comfortable price by acting fast and getting your finances in order. Buyers will favor you over those prospective buyers with no lending options or mortgage arrangements. The market is getting more competitive, so finding the townhome or condo that is right for you may take a little proactivity. Get your offer in quickly, speed up the homebuying experience, and start earning rental income or building a home with your family by making mortgage decisions before seeing the property.

Set your price range


Here is a scenario: you find your dream home, apply for a mortgage, then realize the home is out of your budget. You would never have gotten your hopes up if you had made mortgage inquiries before finding the property. That is why making financial arrangements before looking at Durham luxury homes for sale or other forms of real estate in the Triad is worth the time and effort.
 
Your mortgage determines your price range, so you can explore the market with a practical price range. Once you have met with your lender, you will know what to expect in terms of monthly payments and interest rates. An informed buyer is a successful buyer, and knowing your price range and potential limitations will guide you toward the ideal home. Set your expectations properly by getting your mortgage ahead of homebuying.

Consult an expert realtor

Shonda Draughn knows all about the staggering advantages of pre-approval and proactive mortgage activity. Take a look at her impressive portfolio to see the current market in the North Carolina Triad area. Shonda is dedicated to quality service and personal connections, guiding buyers in every step, from home valuation to informative showings! 
 
Grow your wealth by investing in luxury real estate in the affluent areas of North Carolina, or find the perfect home for your family with the help and guidance of Raleigh, NC, native Shonda Draughn.




Work With Shonda

Working with Shonda means you are getting unrivaled dedication, world-class service, and someone who always puts her clients' needs first. She is passionate about helping clients buy their dream Triangle home or sell their existing Triangle property. She would be honored to work with you.

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