Pre-approval letters remove uncertainty in the home-buying process. With a pre-approval letter the buyer knows exactly how much they can borrow and how much house they can afford. Although not a final commitment, the pre-approval letter shows the seller and the sellers agent that the buyer is capable of buying the house. Agents see pre-approved buyers as more serious because they have taken the steps to secure a pre-approval.

Five things to think about before you sell:
1. Kitchen: considered to be the heart of any home. Homebuyers will consider this to be one of the most important rooms in the home. For a few hundred dollars you can replace the kitchen faucets, update or reface cabinet doors and replace hardware to show a more modern look.
2. Lighting: replacing dated ceiling fixtures can instantly update the look of a home. Home stores offer a wide range of in-expensive fixtures that can add a nice look to any room.
3. Bathroom: Next to the kitchen the bathroom is another room that needs to be updated. Simple updated such as replacing light fixtures, faucets, and a new coat of paint can make a big difference.
4. Storage: Buyers are always looking for storage. Sellers need their home to be open, spacious and well organized. Add a closet system to bedrooms, pantries and entry closets.
5. Curb Appeal: Simple things such as a nicely mowed yard, planting flowers and trimming the shrubs are a great way to make a first impression to potential buyers.

Interest Rate and APR (annual percentage rate) are two of the most commonly misunderstood terms in the mortgage industry. Understanding the difference can make all the difference when shopping for your home loan. The interest rate is the true rate of interest you pay on your loan while APR is the calculated rate that takes into consideration the fees required to finance your loan. The APR is not the rate used to calculate your monthly payments. This calculation is designed to help borrowers compare different loan options. Below is a list of common fees (but not limited to)associated with the APR:
1. Origination fee(if paid by the borrower)
2. Discount fee
3. Closing/Settlement Fee
4. Processing Fee
5. Flood Certification
6. Tax Certification/Verification Fee
7. Underwriting Fee