Securing your financing is a very important step towards your real estate purchase. Timing can mean buying the home that you really want or losing it to someone who already has their financing in order. Also, knowing how much you can spend on home, can save you a lot of time and disappointment. Looking at homes that are within your financial means, only makes sense. This way when you find a home that you like, you know you can make a reasonable offer.
Note there is a difference between prequalified and pre-approved. Once you are pre-approved the process of buying a home goes much faster than if your only prequalified. There are different types of loans available with many different types of terms and possible costs. To learn more go to: http://www.realestateabc.com/homeguide/buying4.htm