how do I get pre-qualified?

Go to the bank that u r banking at and ask if they could pre-approve you for a home. Now since this is the being you should also state how much you want to pay monthly.  U tell them that way you will know your getting a pre-approval on how much home u could purchase on that monthly payment.

clkclkdeb:

Congratulations on making the decision to start the home buying process.  Pre-qualification, and speaking to a qualified mortgage lender, is absolutely the best place to start your new home search.

My suggestion for moving forward is to either seek pre-qualification through Zillow or speak to a lender that has been referred by a friend, family member, or someone you trust. Being prepared for this important conversation is key. Whether called a pre-qualification or pre-approval, having a more in-depth financial conversation is a wise thing to do at this time and paves the way for future actions.

Have financial information, personal information (such as Social Security number, employment information/salary/contact numbers, savings account balances, and etc.) available while in this conversation, as the lender will ask questions regarding them at this time.  A credit report to obtain your FICO scores will be ordered.  These scores help determine the interest rate you will receive, the lending program available, the amount you can borrow, and more ... so are very important. It is also important to discuss your financial needs, plans, preferences, and goals with your lender at this point.  The guidance they provide you will be based upon the information you provide and these essential ingredients.

The process of pre-qualification need not be a scarey one.  Again, working ith a qualified and knowledgeable mortgage professional is key to your home buying processing and successful arrival at closing.  When working with a lender of quality you will receive the guidance and service you need, desire, and deserve. 

** Note:   As I think this may be your first home buying experience, please be aware that you might be entitled to a First-Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit made available through the government stimulus plan.  This can mean up to $8,000 in benefit for you.  You must also be aware that this benefit is only available for loans closed before December 1, 2009. So keep this date in mind when timing your new home search.  Depending on your area, it is also true that more local benefits may exist to assist you with downpayments and etc., so working with a knowledgeable real estate salesperson that is educated in the local market in which you are searching for a home is extremely important. 

If I can be of further assistance to you now or in the future, please do not hesitate to write.  Best of luck to you as you move forward with your home search and purchase! 

clkclkdeb,

Getting pre-qualified is different that getting pre-approved.  Pre-qualification will not help you very much because it does not really mean anything.  It just tells you how much you can afford (you can use this simple mortgage calculator to find out how much you can afford). 

However, when shopping for homes it can be useful to get pre-approved.  This means you have talked with a lender and they have approved you to borrower a certain amount of money.  A pre-approval is useful because it lets sellers know you are serious and that you can afford their house.  Many agents and sellers will not waste time with shoppers who are not pre-approved.   To get pre-approved, you can talk to any mortgage broker or banker.  You do not need to get your mortgage through the person who pre-approves you, but most people do because they feel obilgated.  

I recommend you start by filling out a loan request on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace and picking a lender you like.  You can then ask them to pre-approve you for the desired amount.  Then, when you are ready to get your mortgage, you can either go back to the lender who pre-approved you or fill out another loan request on Zillow to compare rates again.

Learn more about pre-approvals and the documents required here.

Call any broker or direct lender. Of course you'll have more options if you choose a broker. But find someone you are confortable with and be prepare to give them income documentation. i.e. 30 days of paycheck stubs, your 08 W-2's and two months bankstatements for your checking and savings and any other assets you might have. They will take all this information and then run your credit. Once completed and you qualify they will be able to give your Realtor a letter of approval to send in with any offers you make to show the seller and his agent you are serious and have completed this process. Your offer will hold more weight.
Good Luck

Call any bank or mortgage broker and ask to be pre-qualified for a mortgage.  You'd have a stronger offer if you got a pre-Approval letter for a specific value.

Get Pre-Approved...Learn How Much Home You Can Comfortably Afford!