No matter what your income level, and no matter what your credit & debt history is like, the absolute first step is:

 "Getting a fully underwriten PRE-APPROVAL with a reputable mortgage lender."

I KNOW, I KNOW!!!, You're saying:

"I won't have any problems in getting my loan!" "My income and credit history is OUTSTANDING! Once I find a property to buy, I'll contact the mortgage lenders and shop them."

Guess what? By the time you sit down with your Realtor® to write your offer on your dream home..., It will be too LATE!!!

When you are ready to make an offer, the last thing you need is to be rushing around to find a loan.

Also, you will not have the documented negotiating leverage you need to successfully win a contract acceptance. The property will likely be sold to another buyer before you can act on it.

Most property sellers and listing agents today, will insist on a loan pre-approval or even a loan commitment prior to negotiating any contract for purchase.

Loan Pre-approval is different from a Pre-Qualification, Loan approval, and Loan Commitment. (See the glossary and detailed discussions on these topics elsewhere on this site.)

Don't allow an an over-eager Loan officer to dilute the pre-approval document with conditions and subjections.

Ensure that full under-writing has been completed prior to beginning your search and that all conditions and contingencies except contract ratification and appraisals are removed from the letter.