Mortgages
If you’re like most people, you probably feel like shopping for a mortgage can be about as much fun as getting a root canal. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some basic steps you can take to ensure that you find a mortgage that works for you.
- Check Your Credit
Get a copy of your credit report from Equifax.com (or a similar service). Double-check every item listed and if there are any errors or omissions, contact your credit bureau to change them. How’s your score? One way to improve your rating is to pay off any outstanding credit card debt.
- Do the Math
Alberta Mortgage payment calculator
- ZPrequalify
- wLearn the Lingo
- Choose a Lender
Many homebuyers have found financing online, whether it’s through a mortgage finding service or a bricks-and-mortar institution. You don’t have to leave your home to do it, and you can shop 24/7. The downside of doing it online is that lacks a personal touch – you may miss out on an option that you might have come across by talking to someone in person.
If you’re pressed for time, a mortgage broker can do your “shopping around” for you, and find the best rate available. Before choosing a broker, make sure he or she isn’t affiliated with a specific bank or lending institution.
- RGet Pre-Approved
So there you have it—the simple steps to get you closer to a mortgage that not only works for you but also gets you into the home of your dreams.