Real Estate Insight

 • Buying a home can be time consuming. One way to save time is by organizing all the necessary documents most lenders require, such as those that prove employment and income. Typically, lenders want two recent pay stubs, two years of tax returns, bank statements, proof of assets, such as 401(k) and trusts, and debts, such as credit card statements. Documents are especially important for borrowers who are self-employed.

• Even if a home purchase is months or years away, having good credit history is essential. A few points on a FICO score can mean the difference between a higher or lower interest rate offered on a mortgage loan.

• Borrowers also are advised to monitor home-lending rates. Every Thursday, Freddie Mac officials calculate average mortgage rates by compiling rates from lenders across the U.S. on Monday through Wednesday. Rates can be found at freddiemac.com/pmms.