Why You Should Get Prequalified Before Buying a Home in Richmond, VA
If you're thinking about buying a home, it's tempting to jump right into looking at houses. That's the fun part, after all. But before you schedule your first showing, there's one step that can save you a lot of stress—and possibly help you win the home you really want. Get prequalified (or even better, preapproved). After helping buyers across the Richmond area for more than 35 years, we've learned that the buyers who prepare first almost always have a smoother experience than the ones who don't. It's About More Than Knowing Your Budget A lot of people think getting prequalified is simply finding out how much money a bank will lend them. That's only part of the story. A good lender will help you understand what a comfortable monthly payment looks like for your lifestyle—not just the maximum amount you qualify to borrow. Sometimes those are two very different numbers. Knowing that before you start looking at homes helps you shop with confidenc...