First Things First!

Imagine going out to purchase a new dining room suite of furniture. You find just the right set, and the salesperson asks how you plan to pay for it. You answer, "Gee, I hadn't thought about that!" The next question is, "Do you want to pay by check?" After a look at your checkbook balance you shake your head.

This scenario continues with a barrage of financial questions to set up a financing plan for your new furniture. Caught by surprise without the answers, you leave the store in dismay.

It's not likely you would let this happen if you were buying furniture, but it happens quite often when people go to buy a home. Since financing is usually essential to completing a home purchase, here's a more pleasant alternative.

Before you begin searching for a home, ask your Realtor® to arrange a "pre-qualification" interview with a mortgage lender. This allows you to speak directly with the lender and provide detailed financial information in confidence. The result? The lender can determine an appropriate loan for your new home, as well as the maximum amount for which you are financially qualified.

Once you complete the "pre-qualification" process, you are ready to being your home search confident that you have the financing available. You'll be able to spend your house-hunting time knowing your price range and finding just the right home for you and your family.