Buying A Home - Get PreApproved

So, you've Saved up for a Down Payment to Buy A House, Checked Your Credit so there are no glitches, have a good idea about Where you Want to Live, and have your "Wish List". The next step is to get Pre-Approved by a lender. There are hundreds of lenders out there that loan money to purchase homes in Hoover, Al or the greater Birmingham area. I have worked with several great ones and some bad.

If you don't know one-get some recommendations from people who work with lenders everyday - such as you friendly realtor. I have several I can recommend. I wouldn't shop for a lender based on rate, I would shop based on service. Most lenders in this area are going to be competitive; you want to make sure they can get you to the closing table on the DATE YOU WRITE IN THE CONTRACT. Give me a call at 821-3312 or e-mail me at http://www.tonibird, and I'll be happy to recommend a few for you to choose from.

When you meet with the lender you will need some financial information, so plan to bring these documents:

Your W-2 forms from last year and your most recent pay stub,

Your last 2 months bank statements,

Any investment accounts you have such as a 401K from work,

The name and address of your current landlord,

Your credit card numbers, the balances and the monthly payment of each,

Information on any other loans you have such as student loans, car loans, etc.

The lender MAY need other information from you, but this will get you started and after they meet with you, they'll let you know if they need anyting else. Expect them to have you sign a form saying it is OK for them to pull your credit report. Even if you have run your own, they will need to do it to make it official. They will probably charge you a fee for this - as the credit bureau will charge them a fee (even though you can pull one each year for free).

Feel free to ask questions. If you feel the lender is not willing to answer you or is too pushy - then walk away and find another one.

Once you are PreApproved, you'll be ready to shop for your house. Let me know if I can help toni@tonibird.com.