Are you really preapproved or just prequalified for a mortgage? Part 1

I Spy FisheyeThere’s quite a difference between being prequalifed for a mortgage and preapproved.   The letters that Loan Originators provide when requested for a prequal or preapproval may appear very similar.  In fact, I’ve talked to borrowers on the phone who thought they were actually preapproved, when all they really had was a rate quote worksheet or possible a good faith estimate from a lender.  A good faith estimate, loan estiamte or rate quote worksheet are not a commitment to lend and do not indicate that someone has been prequalified.

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Tips for Homebuyers and Sellers

Yesterday I was interviewed by Melinda Fulmer for a MSN Real Estate article.   Here were a few of my pointers (with some clarification) for buyers: [Read more…]