Tip #1 – Begin accumulating funds for a down payment.

Your necessary down payment might range from 2.25 percent to 20% of the home's purchase price, depending on your lender and the type of loan you pick. Establishing a monthly budget can assist you in saving for the down payment.

After determining what your budget can handle, consider having money automatically sent from your paycheck or Union bank account to a savings account to make saving money each month more accessible and more convenient.

Tip #2 – Obtain a copy of your credit report

Having an excellent credit score enables you to obtain the greatest possible interest rate on your home loan. Therefore, it is prudent to get a copy of your credit report before beginning the home buying process. You'll discover how potential lenders view your credit profile and can subsequently take action to enhance your credit score if necessary.

Tip #3 – Organize your financial records

When you apply for a mortgage, you will be required to provide various financial documents to your lender. Having these documents assembled ahead of time will assist in expediting the processing of your loan application. At the very least, you should bring your last two pay stubs, your most recent W-2, your previous two years' tax returns, and current Union bank and brokerage records.

#4 – Make use of a mortgage calculator

Mortgage calculators are excellent tools for determining the maximum amount of homes you can afford. They are incredibly user-friendly and can calculate your monthly mortgage payment based on various home prices, down payment, and interest rate scenarios. Consider using one of our numerous mortgage calculators.

Tip #5 – Develop the ability to compare offers

Not all mortgages are the same. Even if the interest rates on the loans are the same, the points and fees may make one offer more expensive than another. It's critical to understand all of the factors that determine the price of your mortgage to compare offers accurately. You can click here for a comprehensive explanation of mortgage price components.

Tip #6 - Begin monitoring interest rates.

The interest rate on your mortgage will be a significant influence in determining the cost of the loan. Mortgage interest rates fluctuate practically daily, and it's beneficial to know where they're headed.

Tip #7 – Obtain pre-qualification

Many real estate agents require that you obtain pre-approval for a loan before they begin working with you. Pre-qualification for a mortgage is a relatively straightforward process that often only requires certain financial information such as your income and the amount of savings and investments you have. Once pre-qualified, you'll have a clearer idea of how much you can borrow and the price range of homes within your budget.