What we really want and what we can actually afford are sometimes two very different things. You might dream about a Lamborghini or top-of-the-line Lexus, but drive a more practical car in real life. Before you can even begin to seriously consider buying a home, it's absolutely imperative to know what you can comfortably afford. Mortgage professionals provide expert analysis of your buying power, and their services come absolutely free. They'll ask for basic financial information about your income, savings and expenses, and use those numbers to get you “Pre-qualified”. You absolutely must be pre-qualified before you get to any serious home shopping. All that means is that you truly know what you can actually afford.

Our advice to you? Shop around. Don't just rely on the bank where you have a savings or checking account – they might be your best option, but your bank only has its own proprietary products to offer you. We suggest that you add an independent mortgage broker to your home buying preparations. Independent brokers can match your situation with dozens of lending products, and that may result in a better deal. It's all free and the information you'll share is minimal, so why not give both a try and compare?

Need the names of some reputable independent mortgage brokers to choose from? Let us know! Our clients have worked with a number of great people, and we'd be happy to share some names.