Gabbi knew that real estate was the right career from the start. She is now dual licensed in both Kentucky and Ohio. She had her first sale within a month of getting licensed and hit her first million in volume within her first 6 months. She will have her real estate license for the rest of her life. Call her anytime if you have questions about becoming a real estate agent. She loves to share her passion for real estate with others!
What do I need to qualify for a mortgage loan?
Seven steps to take to help you get your application approved:
Thinking about buying a home? Your first question is probably “how am I going to pay for this again?” Whether it’s a shopping mall or a starter home if you don’t have the cash upfront you are going to need a loan. A loan does not have to be scary or unattainable. If you are interested in borrowing money for a personal loan, here are seven steps to take to help you get your application approved.
- Check your credit score. This may seem like a daunting task at first but the more you know about your finances the better.
- Order a copy of your credit report from an accredited website. There are many online places that you can go to get your credit report. Experian is a great place to start. You should know that pulling this report is going to ding your credit score so you do not want to do this too many times before you apply for your loan.
- Pay all your current bills on time. This is important because it’s a great habit because it prepares you to take on the additional bill -your mortgage payment. It’s also a great way to begin to track your spending. You should know where your money is going and how much your need to save for all your bills and expenses.
- Pay down your debt each month. Make your debt a priority. This is going to save you money in the long run by decreasing the amount you’re paying in interest. Cutting your interest payment is a guaranteed return is typically more than what you would earn in the stock market.
- Show that you have a stable income. Collect a file with all of your paystubs or simply email HR and ask them for a copy of your total paystubs for the year.
- Submit a joint application with a creditworthy cosigner (optional). You would want a co-signer if you can’t qualify on your own. You would ask a parent or guardian to co-sign the loan for you. There is no real benefit for the person who is the co-signer but it will allow you to apply for the loan with better chances of getting it. Failure to make timely payments will adversely impact the co-signer.
- Find the right lender. Before you choose your loan officer make sure you shop around for the best one for you, please keep that in mind if you are going in this direction.
How to find a compatible mortgage loan officer:
- A good place to start is to search for the best mortgage rates online and compare. Keep in mind that the interest rates you are seeing online are estimates and they are subject to change.
- Next, collect quotes from local agents you are considering for the job. Once these quotes are in hand, compare costs and decide which one makes the most financial sense for you. Use your research as leverage so you can negotiate the best deal.
- Make sure you ask the right questions try:
- How do you prefer to communicate?
- How long are your typical response rates for things like preapproval letters, appraisals, and closings?
- What lender fees do you currently have and am I responsible for them?
- Are there any options for waiving fees?
- What are your down payment requirements?
- You’ll also want to know if your lender is going to sell your loan to someone else. Some people prefer their loan in-house; however, the one that sells it off can offer you better terms.
- Ask your loan officer if there are FHA grants or money that can go toward your down payment that you don’t have to pay back.
Financial information you’ll need to provide to your loan officer when applying for a mortgage loan:
- Social security numbers for yourself and any co-borrowers
- Bank, savings, checking, investment accounts
- Outstanding debts (which includes credit card debt, car loans, student loans, medical bills, and other balances)
- Two years of tax returns, W-2s, and 1099s
- Salary, pay stubs, employer information
- Any information you can provide about how much of the down payment you can afford and then you’ll need a paper trail of where the money came from
- This could mean any bank statements that you transferred the money from
- Gift letters could be needed if you have received any cash or borrowed any money from friends or family as well๏ปฟ
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If you’re a licensed real estate agent, you already know that your education doesn’t stop once you pass the exam. Continuing Education (CE) is a crucial part of maintaining your license, but it’s also an opportunity to grow in your career. Every state has its own CE requirements, so it’s essential to stay informed and compliant with your local laws to avoid penalties or even losing your license.
Let’s start by making one thing clear: not all real estate schools are the same. There are different types of programs, and the one that’s best for you depends on how you learn best. Some schools offer in-person classes, where you attend scheduled lectures in a classroom setting. Others provide fully online courses, allowing you to study at your own pace from anywhere. Some programs have live virtual sessions at set times, while others are entirely self-guided. Choosing the right school isn’t just about availability, it’s about finding a format that fits you.
Everyone thinks they know what it takes to get a real estate license and what life is like as a real estate agent. Thanks to social media, the profession often appears fast-paced, glamorous, and full of excitement. However, the reality of the job is quite different from the image portrayed online.
The first 30 days of your real estate career can set the tone for years to come. By taking the right technical steps, building relationships, establishing your brand, and focusing on networking, you’ll be well on your way to finding success. Remember: consistency and perseverance are key. Now go out there and find your first client—you’ve got this! Check back to the Career Corner for more new agent insights!
Passing your real estate exam on the first try is possible with the right preparation and mindset. Use the strategies, tools, and tips outlined here to study effectively and manage your anxiety. Remember, this is the first step toward a rewarding career in real estate—you’ve got this!
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