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Buying

6 min read

Seven things lenders check before they say yes

From your credit score to the house itself, here is what lenders review and how to get each one ready.

Portrait of Daniel Okafor

Daniel Okafor

First-time buyer advisor

A man and a woman standing in a living room

You and your money

Lenders check your credit score, your income, how long you have been in your job, your monthly debts and the savings you have left after closing.

The property

They also order an appraisal to confirm the home is worth the price, and they check the title to make sure nobody else has a claim on it.

How to prepare

Avoid opening new credit cards or loans while you apply, keep your bank deposits easy to explain, and send documents quickly. Most delays come from missing paperwork.

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