At what point should we be looking for a pre-qualification letter? before or after we start looking for homes?

Before - some realtors will not show you homes without once. They want to make sure you are qualified. Getting qualified before you start looking for a home, helps you to address any issues that might be preventing you from purchase a home in addition to verify the max loan amount you can qualify for based on your income sources. We offer free Premier buyer letters in WA if you haven't already started the process. JMurray@WintrustMortgage.com / Justin Murray / 312 256 4065

The best time to get pre approval is before you shop for a home. Many people do the opposite and it gets frustrating as you set your hopes on a home you may not qualify for.

Absolutely before, and for several reasons.. First, most realtors wont even start arraigning showings unless they know you are approved.. 2nd, by getting pre approved first, then the lender can analyze your background and look for any potential issues and deal with them now when there's no rush, vs. later when your under contract.. 3rd, if your agent was to submit an offer on a property and she did not send a pre qualification form along with it, then if the seller is contemplating multiple offers where all the others have pre qualification forms, then your offer will not get any consideration at all. It's best to get pre qualified first... I'm a Broker here in Scottsdale AZ and I only lend in Arizona. If you or someone you know is looking for financing options, feel free to contact me or pass along my information. William J. Acres, Lender411's number ONE lender in Arizona. 480-287-5714 WilliamAcres.com NMLS# 226347

As soon as you start thinking you want to buy a house! First, it makes no sense whatsoever to be out looking at homes without knowing you can get a loan, knowing how much you will be approved for, knowing how much the estimated payments will be, and more. Next, if there are any issues, you either have time to fix them, or you know not to even bother looking at homes. As a side note: If you've NEVER given a lender any supporting documents like pay stubs, and W2's - you are NOT pre-approved no matter what they tell you! For loans in MN, WI, and SD, visit www.Minneapolis-Mortgage.net or call (651) 552-3681.