Does a credit inquiry affect my credit score?

Not as much as you might think; but its important to understand when, how long, and what is the impact.

When should I apply for a home loan and how?

You should apply for a loan as soon as you are ready to start house hunting. Most if not all realtors will need your pre-approval letter from the lender for an offers submitted. Your realtor can assist you with lenders if you do not already have one selected.

Do I need a lot of money for closing cost and a down payment? 

You need some funds but maybe not as much as you think!

Is a high credit score needed to get approved for a loan? 

There are flexible loan programs that fit various buyer needs. You don’t need the highest credit score but a consistent payment history and a good score is a great start! 

This content is not the product of the National Association of REALTORS®, and may not reflect NAR's viewpoint or position on these topics and NAR does not verify the accuracy of the content.