To apply for a Mortgage, you will need to provide the following documents with your application:

• Driver’s License / Government Issued ID
• Most Recent 30 Days of Pay Stubs
• Most Recent 2 Years W-2’s or 1099’s
• Most Recent 2 Years Tax Returns
• Most Recent 60 Days Bank Statements (includes retirement accounts)

1. Meet with a Real Estate Professional – Discuss the type of home you’re looking for. Include the style, price, and locations. As the homebuyer, your agent’s commission is paid by the seller of the home in almost all circumstances. This means your representation costs you nothing.
2. Meet with a Mortgage Lender – To pre-qualify, you will need pay stubs, W2s, and bank statements. Knowing what you can afford is critical to a successful home shopping experience.
3. Search for homes – The fun part! Your agent will schedule showings and help you find the perfect home.
4. Make an offer – Your agent will prepare the offer based on the price and terms you have chosen.
5. Negotiation and Contract – It may take a few tries to get it just right, but hang in there. You’re on your way! In most cases the contract provides you with a timeline to obtain financing, as well as time to inspect the physical condition of the home. Your real estate professional will inform you of all your rights and responsibilities related to the contract.
6. Accepted Contract – You and the seller have agreed to the price and terms. The home is effectively held for you until closing.
7. Bottom Line – Perform due diligence, obtain homeowners insurance, conduct inspections, order title and appraisal, and review terms with the lender.
8. Closing – This is the big day! The closing will take place at the title company and they will facilitate the transfer of funds and deed. You will be finalizing your loan, reviewing documents and discussing the findings from the inspection. Your agent will be managing this entire process for you.

If you are a first-time home buyer, being informed is the key to buying the home of your dreams.

1. Decide on buying

• • Weigh out the pros and cons to renting vs. buying.
  • Plan to live in the area for at least the next 5 years.
  • Typically, it will take a few years to offset the upfront costs before you start to gain equity in the home.

2. Get Pre-Qualified

• • Work with your lender to determine what a comfortable monthly housing payment will be for you.
  • Make sure your lender and Realtor are connected so your lender can send your pre-qualification letter directly to your Realtor when it’s time to make an offer.
  • A pre-qualification letter will instill confidence in the seller that you are going to be able to close the deal.

3. Work With Realtor

• • Realtors have the knowledge and the negotiation skills to help you find a home that fits your needs.
  • Realtors are free! Their fees are paid for by the seller.

4. Be Prepared & Stay Focused

• • Stay in contact with your lender and Realtor.
  • Keep all financial documents handy.
  • On average, it takes 3 to 4 offers on homes before you get one accepted.

1. Avoid changing jobs, becoming self-employed, or quitting your job.
2. Avoid buying a personal or recreational vehicle.
3. Avoid using credit cards excessively.
4. Avoid letting current accounts fall behind.
5. Avoid spending money you have set aside for closing.
6. Avoid buying furniture.
7. Avoid any inquiries into your credit (utilities and cable for your new home are fine). Ask us if you are unsure about any inquiries.
8. Avoid changing bank accounts or institutions.
9. Avoid co-signing a loan for anyone.
10. Do call a FCNB Mortgage Lender with any questions regarding the information above!

Before applying for a Mortgage, it is essential that you understand your credit score. Here are some helpful tips:

Actions that hurt your credit score

• Missing payments – regardless of the amount. It will take 24 months to restore credit with one late payment
• Credit cards at capacity – carrying balances that are equal to or that exceed your credit limit
• Closing credit card accounts – this lowers the available capacity
• Shopping for credit excessively, multiple inquiries
• Opening numerous accounts in a short period of time
• Having more revolving loans in relation to installment loans

What doesn’t affect credit score?

• Age
• Education
• Marital status
• Length of Residence
• Length of employment
• Debt ratio
• Income

How to improve your credit score?

• Pay down credit card balances
• Do not close credit cards – remember, closing credit cards will decrease capacity
• Continue to make payments on time, older late payments will become less significant over time
• Maintain less revolving debt compared to installment debt

How to get my free annual credit report?

• Equifax – 800.685.111 equifax.com
• Experian – 888.397.3742 experian.com
• TransUnion – 800.916.8800 transunion.com
• Or you can get all three for free from annualcreditreport.com