This is one of Carrie’s favorite quotes of all time. Living my this quote has helped her to become the premier home loan specialist in Dakota and Scott counties. “You can have anything you want in life, if you just help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar

The value of a generic mortgage pre-approval = $25.00
The value of a Loan Officer who knows how to truly approve a loan = Priceless
This may sound cliché and I know it’s overused these days, but seriously, how is a first time buyer, or any home buyer in today’s market supposed to know that they can trust the person they’ve supplied their information to over the phone or internet who very rapidly, and simply states; “Congratulations, you’re pre-approved”. I’ve got news for you. You’re not.
If you have not supplied the following documentation, in addition to other documents that may be specific to your particular situation, you do not have a complete mortgage pre-approval and what you thought was a time to celebrate, could turn into a time of nail biting and rapidly graying hair from worry or sudden changes in your “pre-approval” status. So, as a homebuyer today, what should you expect to supply when you “apply” for a loan? Here’s a simple list that is nearly universally applicable:

For real?? Yes, your 720 credit score may not be all it’s cracked up to be. To get a home loan, your mortgage lender have to validate your credit.
So you’ve been told you have great credit and to focus on your number, whatever that might be and then I jump in and tell you that 720 you’ve worked so hard for just might not cut it anymore? What’s up with that?!? I know, it’s next to impossible to catch onto this moving target out there known as your credit score.

There are special loan options for first time home buyers when looking at foreclosed or short-sale properties that need a little, or a lot of work. Homes that are in need of repairs don’t need to be overlooked when you’re shopping for your first home – even if you’re not a ‘handyman’. There are mortgage loan options available that still allow you to get into your first home with a minimal down payment AND allow you to fix some things that may need repair.

There is a new first time homebuyer loan program coming to Dakota County of which, we are excited to take part. Here are some highlights of the new program and what it offers to first time homebuyers purchasing inside Dakota County…