Q: What is the difference between "prequalified" and "preapproved?" A: A prequalification consist of a discussion between a home buyer and a loan officer. The loan officer collects basic information regarding the customer's income, monthly debts, credit history and assets, and then uses this information to calculate an estimated mortgage amount for the home buyer. The prequalification is not a full mortgage approval, but estimates what a home buyer can afford. With a prequalification letter from a lender, your "offer of purchase" will be much more attractive to the seller. A preapproval, on the other hand, is a comprehensive approach using basic information as well as electronic credit reporting. Preapprovals, in most cases, are true mortgage commitments. The lender commits to financing your home and indicates the total mortgage amount available to you. This is even better in a seller's eyes, especially in a multi-offer situation, because they know that there is little or no chance of any surprises, regarding your financing ability, that would pop up before closing. Q: What types of mortgage programs are offered? A: Currently, there are over 50 different mortgage products available, including: 15, 20, and 30-year fixed rate loans adjustable rate loans new construction financing VA and FHA loans 5 and 7-year balloon loans First time home buyers programs and many more. Simply ask your lender. Q: How long does it take to process a mortgage application? A: Usually about 45 to 60 days, although it can take as few as seven days and as long as 90 days for some transactions. The actual time depends on how quickly the lender can get an appraisal of the property, a credit report and verification of employment and bank accounts. Q: What documents will I have to provide? A: Be prepared to provide verification of income (including a pay stub and recent tax returns), bank account numbers and details on your long-term debt (credit cards, auto loans, child support, etc.). If you're self-employed you may also be required to provide financial statements for your business. In recent years, lenders have been required to obtain more specific information from borrowers in order to package and sell loans to investors. If you were lending someone such a large amount of money, you'd want detailed financial information. Q: What's included in my house payment? A: Principal and interest on your loan. Depending on the terms of your loan, the payment also may include hazard (homeowners) insurance, mortgage insurance and property taxes. Q: Can I pay those other things separately? A: Not if it's an FHA or VA-insured loan. With most other loans, you can pay your own taxes and insurance if you borrowed no more than 80 percent of the purchase price or appraised value of your home. Check with your lender to be sure. Q: What do the closing costs include? A: Closing costs cover processing and administration of your loan. In addition to a loan fee, you'll usually be asked to prepay interest charges, to cover the partial month in which you close, and impounds for property taxes, hazard insurance and mortgage insurance. Q: When do my mortgage payments start? A: Usually about 30 days after closing. The actual date of your first payment will be included in your closing documents. Don't see the answer to your question(s) here? Send us your question. We'll respond to your question(s) as quickly as possible!