In the real estate game, the field of financing is covered with hurdles and quicksand. In no other part of the process can you loose so much money- and not even know it!

We’ve been talking about how having a plan will allow you to keep on track to get where you are going. In the area of financing, having a plan is critical!

If you don’t have a plan of your own, you will fall into someone else’s plan!

Like the Boy Scout motto says, BE PREPARED.

The first thing that will happen when you go in for a loan appointment is you will be hit with lots of questions.

• Where do you work?

• Are you self employed?

• How much do you make?

• How long have you been there?

• How much cash do you have in the bank?

• How is your credit rating?

• What is your FICO score?

• Can I see your last two year’s tax returns?

• How much will you be putting as a down payment?

• Do you want a fixed or adjustable rate?

• Do you want a 15 or 30 year mortgage?

• Do you want the lowest rate with points, or a higher rate with no normal; font-weight: points?

• Do you want to "lock-in" or float the interest rate?

• Do you want a conventional or FHA or VA loan?

• Fully amortized or balloon payment?

And that’s just a sample! Do you see why you will need to do a little homework and have your plan in order before you step into the jungle - oops, I mean loan office?

I am NOT saying that most mortgage companies are full of crooks, liars, and cheats. Many are really excellent at what they do. It’s just that if you don’t know what you want, the loan company will put you into what they want for you- which may not be in line with your goals.

There are no hard and fast rules to answer all of the many questions you’ll be faced with. That’s because everyone’s situation is unique! What’s best for you will probably be different than the family down the block.

The only way to know for sure what is in your best interests is to take a good look at your overall financial picture and your goals for the future.

There are several questions that you need to ask the loan agent before you decide to do business with them.

• Are you funding the loan with your own funds or "brokering" it?

• Exactly what fees will you be charging me?

• Who makes the final approval decision?

• Is the loan underwriting done locally?

• When can I expect an answer?

• Will you put everything in writing and sign it?

• Given my goals, what loan program do you recommend and why?