Do's and Don'ts

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DO: Get pre-approved before house-hunting

DON'T: Assume your bank will give you the best rate just because you have a checking account there. Remember, loyalty is a two-way street.

 DO: Shop around for the best mortgage rates

DON'T: Get in over your head. Just because you can technically afford a million-dollar mansion doesn't mean you should buy one. You don't want to be house-poor and unable to afford groceries.

DON'T: Assume you'll be approved for a mortgage just because you have good credit. Pre-approval is important because it gives you a better idea of how much house you can afford and shows sellers that you're serious.

 DO: Consider your future plans

DO: Read the fine print

 DON'T: Sign on the dotted line without reading the terms and conditions. There may be hidden fees or clauses that could come back to haunt you later.

DO: Be prepared for unexpected expenses

DON'T: Assume everything will go smoothly. There may be unforeseen expenses, like a leaky roof or a broken furnace, that can quickly drain your savings. Be sure to budget for these types of surprises.

 DO: Have a good sense of humor

DON'T: Take everything too seriously. Yes, buying a house and getting a mortgage can be stressful, but try to find the humor in the situation. After all, laughter is the best medicine for a stressful day.

By following these Mortgage Do's and Do not's, you'll be well on your way to successfully navigating the mortgage process - with a smile on your face. Good luck, and happy house hunting!