The First Step - Pre-Approval

The First Step - Pre-Approval

Many buyers believe the first step in purchasing a home is meeting with an agent or going out to see houses. As much fun as looking at homes is, this is just Not true.


Unless you are paying cash for your home, meeting with a mortgage loan officer for loan pre-approval is the real first step. As part of the pre-approval process, the lender will tell you just how much you are qualified to borrow - this also sets realistic limits on the price range of homes to see.

Some lenders will offer a pre-qualification (see left side).
Be certain you use a reputable, local lender - there are lots of fly-by-night internet-based lenders who make unrealistic promises that can't be upheld later.

If you already have a relationship with a lender, ask for a pre-approval letter on letterhead. If you don't have a lender, I can recommend several local Loan Officers with whom I’ve developed a good working relationship over time. Whomever you choose, expect that you will be asked for your personal financial information and you’ll need to make yourself and some records available.

Want to Start Right Now?

I won't ask for your personal information. To start, contact any one of my favorite loan officers directly or ask me to match you up with the best one for your needs. They are all local, reputable and can answer your questions and start the process. All I ask is that you let them know you found their name on my website, fair enough?

Heritage Mortgage Services -

Sean Hadley  216 378-4848  SHadley@heritagems.net

First Place Bank -

Darrin Kresevic 440 914-0683   DKresevic@fpfc.net

I have other contacts for special situations. If your credit isn't perfect, just ask me for additional lender names!

Diane's Tip:

Do yourself a favor and get pre-approved from the start. Pre-approval makes you a strong buyer in the eyes of the seller and enhances your negotiating position. It may also commit the lender to hold the quoted rate for a period of 45 to 60 days (called rate lock) which is valuable when rates are going up. Then, when we find your dream home, all that is left is for it to appraise because YOU have been approved already.

Can you see how this could make you a far stronger contender in a situation where a seller has several offers?

"A dream is the answer to a question we haven't quite learned how to ask."  (Scully, X-Files)