Making the decision to purchase a home is an exciting one, but you'll want to make sure you do your homework before you go to the bank or lender and officially apply. Going in unprepared could make it more difficult to get approved, and a rejection might make it even harder the next time you want to apply somewhere else. To that end, here are some tips to keep in mind when applying for a mortgage for a new home this fall.

Don't Forget Your Checking and Savings Accounts

When most people go to apply for a mortgage, they will check their credit report, as they should. This will let them fix potential errors or get a bad credit history going in the right direction again before they apply for a mortgage on a home. But with that said, be sure you don't get so hung up on your credit that you forget to double-check your cash accounts.

Some mortgage lenders might want a print out of your checking and savings accounts, and if they see things like bounced checks or a balance that hovers around zero, this will imply you are living paycheck to paycheck, which is a huge red flag. Create a healthy cash account history before you move forward.

Come Armed With Your Work History Too

If your current financials aren't perfect, the lender will look for other signs of stability that could work in your favor. If you have held down the same job for the several years, bring a history of pay stubs to prove this. Showing that you are consistently paid the same amount every month or every two weeks could go a long way towards getting you the green light you are looking for.

Reach Out to a Program That Can Help

If you are having trouble getting a mortgage while going the traditional route, you might want to take a step back and look at other options. It may be possible to find mortgage loan programs in your neck of the woods that can help you in a variety of ways. Some mortgage loan programs are run by the government and can provide money for a down payment or other assistance. If you have credit issues, some mortgage loan programs are specifically designed to help you work through these problems.

Contact a lender or a mortgage loan program today for more information.

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