[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f2s6sge9qbllzk":3,"$ffeh0925h8cuz":37,"$fbwk2pqjjqsc7":41},{"item":4,"previous":25,"next":31},{"id":5,"slug":6,"title":7,"description":8,"excerpt":9,"contentType":10,"featuredImage":11,"bannerImage":9,"body":12,"agentsBottomLine":13,"bodyImage":9,"isInfographic":14,"categories":15,"isVideo":14,"videoThumbnail":9,"videoSource":9,"publishedAt":24,"updatedAt":24},1476,"taking-the-fear-out-of-the-mortgage-process-3","Taking the Fear Out of the Mortgage Process","A considerable number of potential buyers shy away from the real estate market because they’re uncertain about the buying process – particularly when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage.","","blog","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.simplifyingthemarket.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F10\u002F30213139\u002F20191031-KCM-Share-2-1.jpg","A considerable number of potential buyers shy away from the real estate market because they’re uncertain about the buying process – particularly when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage.\u003C!--more-->\r\n\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>For many, the mortgage process can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be!\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Cstrong> \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh4>\r\nIn order to qualify in today’s market, you’ll need a \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.simplifyingthemarket.com\u002F2019\u002F10\u002F07\u002F62-of-buyers-are-wrong-about-down-payment-needs\u002F\">down payment\u003C\u002Fa>\u003Cem> (the average down payment on all loans last year was 5%, with many buyers putting down 3% or less)\u003C\u002Fem>, a stable income, and a good credit history.\r\n\r\n\u003Cstrong>Once you’re ready to apply, here are 5 easy steps \u003Cem>Freddie Mac\u003C\u002Fem> \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.freddiemac.com\u002Fblog\u002Fhomeownership\u002F20160223_hiw_mortgage_application.page\">suggests\u003C\u002Fa> to follow:\u003C\u002Fstrong>\r\n\u003Col>\r\n \t\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Find out your current credit history and credit score\u003C\u002Fstrong>– Even if you don’t have perfect credit, you may already qualify for a loan. The average FICO Score® for all closed loans in September was 737, according to \u003Cem>Ellie Mae.\r\n\u003C\u002Fem>\u003C\u002Fli>\r\n \t\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Start gathering all of your documentation\u003C\u002Fstrong>– This includes income verification (such as W-2 forms or tax returns), credit history, and assets (such as bank statements to verify your savings).\u003C\u002Fli>\r\n \t\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Contact a professional\u003C\u002Fstrong>– Your real estate agent will be able to recommend a loan officer who can help you develop a spending plan, as well as help you determine how much home you can afford.\u003C\u002Fli>\r\n \t\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Consult with your lender\u003C\u002Fstrong>– He or she will review your income, expenses, and financial goals in order to determine the type and amount of mortgage you qualify for.\u003C\u002Fli>\r\n \t\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Talk to your lender about pre-approval\u003C\u002Fstrong>– A \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.simplifyingthemarket.com\u002F2019\u002F06\u002F24\u002Fstop-wondering-what-your-budget-is-get-pre-approved\u002F\">pre-approval\u003C\u002Fa> letter provides an estimate of what you might be able to borrow (provided your financial status doesn’t change) and demonstrates to home sellers that you’re serious about buying.\u003C\u002Fli>\r\n\u003C\u002Fol>\r\n\u003Ch3>\u003Cstrong>Bottom Line\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\r\nDo your research, reach out to professionals, stick to your budget, and be sure you’re ready to take on the financial responsibilities of becoming a homeowner.","\r\nDo your research, reach out to professionals, stick to your budget, and be sure you’re ready to take on the financial responsibilities of becoming a homeowner.",false,[16,20],{"id":17,"name":18,"slug":19},5,"For Buyers","buyers",{"id":21,"name":22,"slug":23},11,"First-Time Buyers","first-time-buyers","2019-10-31T10:00:59Z",{"id":26,"slug":27,"title":28,"featuredImage":29,"publishedAt":30,"contentType":10,"isVideo":14},1472,"how-to-determine-if-you-can-afford-to-buy-a-home","How to Determine If You Can Afford to Buy a Home","https:\u002F\u002Ffiles.simplifyingthemarket.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2019\u002F10\u002F29113325\u002F20191030-KCM-Share-1-8.jpg","2019-10-30T10:00:36Z",{"id":32,"slug":33,"title":34,"featuredImage":35,"publishedAt":36,"contentType":10,"isVideo":14},1481,"the-difference-an-hour-will-make-this-fall-infographic-2","The Difference an Hour Will Make This Fall 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