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SARA J. HOMES
  • Home
  • About
    • Your REALTOR ®
    • Reviews
    • Join Me
  • Probate & Estate
    • Senior Transition Management
    • Free Downsizing Guide
    • First Time Buyers
    • 55+ Communities
  • Sellers
    • What is my home worth today?
    • Free Sellers Guide
  • Buyers
    • Buyers Guide
    • Locations
      • Metro Atlanta
    • Schedule a Tour
  • Blog
  • Contact
SARA J. HOMES

How to find the right mortgage lender?

Don’t worry about your finances, choose the professionals who’ll take care of them. 

You’re just starting your search to purchase a new house - this is an exciting time! Before you schedule your first home tour, getting prequalified for a mortgage is an important first step. You don’t have to think about it on your own - we’re here to help you. 

Having years of experience on the market, we’ve learned how important a trustworthy mortgage lender is during your real estate journey. Put your faith in a leading lender awarded for the exquisite customer service and appreciated for the competitive offers. Choose the business that pair knowledge, individual approach, and integrity, taking care of the most satisfactory results for you.

Here’s a checklist to get you on your way to buying the home of your dreams before you decide on the professional with whom you want to work with. 

  1. Personal documents
    You’ll need two forms of government-issued ID, your social security number, divorce papers if applicable, as well as proof of ownership of other property.
  2. Review your credit report
    You should be able to do this free of charge. Be sure to dispute any errors or provide an explanation for late payments or derogatory items. Then, keep your credit score healthy by avoiding any new credit inquiries, canceling any credit accounts, or lowering limits with any creditors. Doing any of these things could lower your credit score. 
  3. Tax returns
    You’ll need to provide tax returns for the previous year, and potentially for the last two years.
  4. Proof of income
    Gather W2s, paycheck stubs, 1099s, or a year-to-date profit and loss statement if you’re self-employed. You’ll also need to show other income sources such as Social Security, child support (and proof children’s ages), or government assistance.
  5. Proof of assets
    Provide bank statements, mutual fund statements, account balances for retirement accounts, 401Ks, IRAs, and any money held in the stock market.
  6. Debt summary
    You’ll need to provide a summary of your debts, monthly payment amounts, child support payments and balances for credit cards, student loans, car loans, other property loans.
  7. Financial issues
    You may need to provide a written explanation if you’ve had bankruptcy or other financial issues in the past.
  8. Down payment and closing money ready
    Have these funds ready in your bank account. If you received this money as a gift, you might need to provide a letter from the gifter explaining the gift is not a loan.
  9. Renting
    Compile proof for the past year with canceled checks or money orders to show rent was paid on time.
  10. Mortgage pre-approval successful
    Do some comparison shopping and contact other lenders. A home is likely the largest purchase you’ll ever make, do your homework to ensure you get a competitive deal. 

Applying for your first mortgage? Get in touch with us! We’d be happy to walk you through the process and help you find the mortgage lender you can trust. 

What to Expect from Your Agent

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BuyersinvestorsMarket Insight

Why Investing in Coastal Alabama is a Smart Move in 2025

Looking for a smart real estate investment with long-term growth and lifestyle perks? Coastal Alabama offers the perfect blend of affordability, income potential, and southern charm. Discover the Hidden Gem of the Gulf Coast!If you are tired of overpriced beach towns and…
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Sara Jenkins 05/23/2025
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Luxury on a Budget: 7 Secrets to Getting More Home for Your Money

Who says luxury has to break the bank?If you’re dreaming of a high-end home think quartz countertops, spa-style bathrooms, designer lighting, and wide-open living spaces. You don’t need to max out your budget to make it happen. The secret? Knowing where to look and how…
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Sara Jenkins 05/6/2025
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55+SellersSenior Transition

Downsizing & Aging in Place: Planning for Comfort, Convenience, and Long-Term Living

As we move through different chapters in life, our housing needs naturally evolve. For many homeowners—especially those approaching retirement or already enjoying it—the question becomes whether to downsize or modify their current home to comfortably age in place. Both…
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Sara Jenkins 05/6/2025
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Getting Paid to Care for Aging Family

whenever I come across resources that can potentially lighten the load, I love to share them! One option that many people don’t realize exists is a program called 
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Sara Jenkins 08/18/2025
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BuyersMarket Insight

Why the Shift to a Buyer’s Market Is Bigger News Than “High” Interest Rates

It’s official: the housing market has shifted. I can't say I didn't see this coming throughout the past 8 months or so in the form of price reductions (I'm sorry, "improvements") and increased days on the market. Everyone kept yelling "sellers market, it's a sellers…
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Sara Jenkins 06/16/2025
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BuyersMarket Insight

From Neighbors to Strangers: How the Housing Shortage is Ruining Fresh Baked Cookies and Front Porch Friendships

More recently it seems as though a new trend has been attempting to reshape our housing market. You may be wondering, where the heck all the available real estate is, thinking to yourself “is this it?!” where did all the houses for sale go? If you’ve noticed a lot of…
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BuyersSellers

What Your Agent Should be Doing for You!

One reason why sellers hire a real estate agent in the first place is that the agent has a marketing platform to use to advertise the home for sale. Some homes require more marketing than others, but agents should have a plan to market every home they list. 
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Sara Jenkins 04/29/2025
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