Mortgages: Get Preapproved for a Home Loan (2024)

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Buy a Home Now, Get a Lower Rate Later

Buy a Home Now, Get a Lower Rate Later

With our no-refi rate drop, you can buy now, and if rates drop later, you can lower your rate then.1

Learn Moreabout reducing your rate

VA Loans

Interest as Low As 5.500%

APR as Low As 6.237%

Conventional Fixed Rate

Interest as Low As 5.625%

APR as Low As 5.820%

View All MORTGAGES rates and options Payment Examples2

Why Choose Navy Federal for Your Mortgage?

We have a loan option for you and special features to make sure you get a great deal. In fact,our members save $3,500 on average3when they choose us for their mortgage!

  • Preapprovals in seconds
  • No-refi rate drop—buy now and you could get a lower rate later1
  • Special Freedom Lock—your rate is protected4
  • VA Loan expertise—we're a top lender!
  • Loan options with no down payment5
  • No PMI required
  • Rate match guarantee6

See What Our Members Have to Say

"Our experience was phenomenal. The customer satisfaction was off the charts. We were so happy dealing with Navy Federal."7

-Navy Federal Member Richard

Use Our Mortgage Calculators to Crunch the Numbers

From estimating closing costs to deciding how much home you can afford, our calculators can help you make decisions about your mortgage.

See All Calculators

Get Up to $9,000 Cash Back With RealtyPlus®8

Use RealtyPlusto choose a top-performing real estate agent in your area, and you could earn upto $9,000 cash back.

Find Out How Much Cash Back with RealtyPlus

Visit Our Home Buying Center

Our Home Buying Center has everything you need to de-stress your next address. Get the best loan option for you, a Verified Preapproval, connections with experienced real estate agents and plenty of opportunities to save money.

Learn More about our Home Buying Center

Where Are You in Your Home-Buying Journey?

Whether you’re gathering information, estimating costs or preparing to fill out your application, we have the tools and resources you need.

Learn More about our homebuying journey

Mortgage Learning Center

  • Mortgages: Get Preapproved for a Home Loan (1)

    The Mortgage Loan Process in 10 Steps

    It starts with a preapproval and finishes with your perfect home. We've broken down the process to make it easier for you.

    Learn Moreabout The Mortgage Loan Process in 10 Steps

  • Mortgages: Get Preapproved for a Home Loan (2)

    Mortgage Preapproval

    A preapproval lets sellers know you're a serious buyer and gives you more negotiating power when it comes time to make an offer.

    Learn Moreabout Mortgage Preapproval

  • Best Mortgage for You

    Need help deciding which loan option works best for you? Check out our Mortgage Match video.

    Learn Moreabout Best Mortgage for You

View MoreMortgage Learning Center

Homeowner Resources

  • How to Make Mortgage Payments

    Find out what makes up your monthly mortgage payments and learn about convenient payment options.

    Learn Moreabout How to Make Mortgage Payments

  • Mortgages: Get Preapproved for a Home Loan (3)

    What's an Escrow Account?

    Find out how we calculate your escrow payments and get answers to your most frequently asked questions.

    Learn Moreabout What's an Escrow Account?

  • Managing Your Mortgage

    HomeSquad provides a one-stop resource for all your mortgage management needs.

    Learn Moreabout Managing Your Mortgage

  • Foreclosure

    If circ*mstances arise that make it difficult for you to keep up with your mortgage payments, there are a variety of programs that may be available to help.

    Learn Moreabout Foreclosure

View More Homeowner Resources

Ready to Apply or Have a Question?

Stateside member reps are here for you 24/7. Reach us online, over the phone or at a branch.Contact us.

If you're ready to apply for a mortgage or want to check the status of your loan, please call us at1-877-573-2324.

Mortgage FAQs

Do I need to be a member to get a mortgage?

Yes, you must be a Navy Federal member before you apply for a mortgage. Learn about becoming a member.

How can I get preapproved for a mortgage?

After you submit your loan application, you may be instantly preapproved if we have all the documentation we need. If that's the case, you'll be able to access your preapproval letter in the Documents section of HomeSquad. Keep in mind that we often need additional information after you submit your application. In that case, a home loan advisor will contact you in 1 to 2 business days to discuss next steps.

What will my monthly mortgage payment be?

To estimate your monthly mortgage payment amount, use our Mortgage Calculator. The payment estimate will bebased on your home’s purchase price and the terms of your loan.

Can I buy a home if I have less-than-perfect credit?

Yes, you can buy a home even if you have less-than-perfect credit. We can help you find the best option for your situation. For more information, call us at 1-888-842-6328.

How long does it take to close on a mortgage?

It typically takes 30 days to close on your mortgage once you’ve submitted all required paperwork and documents. However, closing times vary based on many factors, so check with your home loan advisor early in the process to better understand when you can expect to close.

If you're planning to refinance your home, closing times are estimated to take 30-45 days.

Does my partner need to be a member for us to get a mortgage together?

Yes, membership must be obtained by at least 1 borrower for initial loan approval. Any additional non-member borrower(s) must become a member as a condition of loan approval.

I am a first-time homebuyer. What do I do?

To understand the steps to obtaining a mortgage successfully, visit ourMortgage Loan Processpage.

You can also check out all our Mortgage learning resources and articles.

We're always here to assist you on the phone, too, by calling 1-888-842-6328.

Still have questions? Visit our Mortgage FAQs.

1

(a) To be eligible to exercise the no-refi rate drop (Rate Reduction) option and receive a reduction to the interest rate on your loan, you must meet all of the following criteria:

(1) Your loan is one of the following fixed-rate mortgage loan products: Homebuyers Choice, Military Choice, or 15- and 30-year Jumbo Fixed loans (collectively, “Covered Loan Products”) with Navy Federal Credit Union. Cash-out refinance transactions, however, are not eligible for the no-refi rate drop option.

(2) (A) You must contact us and request to exercise the no-refi rate drop option; (B) the reduced interest rate for your loan must be at least 0.25% lower than your existing rate when you request to exercise the no-refi rate drop option; (C) your loan must be current with no more than one monthly payment, which includes principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, that has been 30 days late or more within the last 6 months of your request; (D) you have made at least 6 consecutive monthly payments, which includes principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, on your loan since closing or the last time you exercised your no-refi rate drop option; (E) you do not have an active bankruptcy case pending or you have not filed for bankruptcy protection within 6 months prior to your request; (F) your loan is not in an active loss mitigation option, process, or consideration; and (G) you continue to own the property, notwithstanding successor-in-interest exceptions.

(b) You must pay a $250.00 fee each time that the no-refi rate drop option is exercised. There is no limit on the number of times the no-refi rate drop option can be exercised if all applicable criteria are met each time.

(c) Exercising the no-refi rate drop option will permanently reduce your interest rate, as well as the remaining principal and interest payments on your loan but will not modify any other terms contained in your loan documents, including the principal balance, maturity date, and additional amounts due for escrows as part of your monthly Periodic Payment under your Security Instrument.

(d) RATES AND TERMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To exercise the no-refi rate drop option, you must contact Navy Federal. You are solely responsible for monitoring Navy Federal’s available rates and determining when to exercise the no-refi rate drop option, subject to the eligibility criteria identified above. Contact Navy Federal at 1-703-255-8665, Option 1, to check your eligibility and current rates. Navy Federal will only reduce the interest rate of a Covered Loan Product under the no-refi rate drop option if all applicable criteria are satisfied at time of your request to exercise the option. These terms and conditions do not constitute a commitment to lend, nor a guarantee that you will be approved for a mortgage loan from Navy Federal Credit Union.

(e) Choice loan products require a 1.00% origination fee, which may be waived for a 0.25% increase in the interest rate; are subject to a funding fee of 1.75% of the loan amount; and the funding fee can be financed into the loan up to a maximum of 101.75% LTV, or the fee can be waived for a 0.375% increase in the interest rate. Purchase loans require no down payment. LTV restrictions apply to refinance loans. To be eligible for a Military Choice loan, at least one borrower must be Active Duty, reservist, or a Veteran.

(f)Payment examples:

A Military Choice loan of$300,000 for 30 years at6.750% interest and7.076% APR will have a monthly payment of $1,945. A Jumbo Military Choice loan of$800,000 for 30 years at7.125% interest and7.458% APR will have a monthly payment of $5,389. Taxes and insurance not included; therefore, the actual payment obligation will be greater. All loans subject to credit approval. Jumbo Military Choice loans are loan amounts above $766,550 up to $1,000,000.

A Homebuyers Choice loan of$300,000 for 30 years at6.875% interest and7.203% APR will have a monthly payment of $1,970. A Jumbo Homebuyers Choice loan of$800,000 for 30 years at7.250% interest and7.586% APR will have a monthly payment of $5,457. Taxes and insurance not included; therefore, the actual payment obligation will be greater. All loans subject to credit approval. Jumbo Homebuyers Choice loans are loan amounts above $766,550 up to $1,000,000.

A Jumbo Fixed loan of$800,000 for 30 years at6.125% interest and6.244% APR will have a monthly payment of $4,860. Taxes and insurance not included; therefore, the actual payment obligation will be greater. All loans subject to credit approval. Loans over a certain amount are called jumbo loans. In most states, mortgage loans greater than $766,550 are jumbo loans. In AK and HI, any loan over $1,149,825 is considered a jumbo loan.

2

A VA loan of$300,000 for 15 years at5.500% interest and6.237% APR will have a monthly payment of $2,451.
A fixed-rate loan of$300,000 for 15 years at5.625% interest and5.820% APR will have a monthly payment of $2,471.
Taxes and insurance not included; therefore, the actual payment obligation will be greater. For primary residences and second homes only. If you have less than your VA home loan entitlement, limitations to your loan amount may apply. This rate offer is effective 03/07/2024 and subject to change. Rates based on creditworthiness, so your rate may differ. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates quoted require a loan origination fee of 1.00%, which may be waived for a 0.25% increase in the interest rate. Many of these programs carry discount points, which may impact your rate.

3

Average savings calculation based on an internal analysis of 2022 Navy Federal Credit Union 30-year fixed mortgage rates, fees, and points and comparable rates, fees, and points as published by Freddie Mac (seehttps://www.freddiemac.com/pmms) on a $330,000 home loan.

4

Special Freedom Lock is available for new applications on purchase and refinance loans at no additional fee for a 60-day lock. You must request the Special Freedom Lock option during the initial lock request. You may request a lower rate no more than two (2) times, with a maximum cumulative interest rate reduction of 0.50%. You must monitor rates to decide when to exercise the option to lower the rate. All requests for a lower rate must occur at least seven (7) calendar days before closing.

5

Product features subject to approval. Available for purchase loans only. Loans are subject to an additional funding fee, which may be financed up to the maximum loan amount.

6

Guarantee to receive rate match only applicable if all conditions are met. Available for purchase and refinance first mortgages. Certain product exclusions may apply. You must lock your rate with Navy Federal prior to submitting rate match request to qualify.A Loan Estimate and the rate lock disclosure from the competing lender must be received within 3 calendar days of locking with Navy Federal. The rate must be locked with the competing lender. The date of the Loan Estimate and the lock effective date with the competing lender must be within 3 calendar days of the rate lock with Navy Federal. Please note that no other documentation may be used to show competitors' terms. The terms of the competing loan must be identical to Navy Federal's loan; for example, a 30-year, fixed-rate product with mortgage insurance is not identical to a Navy Federal 30-year, fixed-rate product that does not have mortgage insurance. If the loan does not close within the commitment period, the rate match may be voided. NOTE: The initial Loan Estimate from a wholesale lender/broker is not an acceptable document for a rate match submission unless the Lender Information section on the Loan Estimate is completed. To receive $1,000, you must provide a signed, executed copy of the final Closing Disclosure and a copy of the final mortgage note within 30 calendar days of your loan closing with the original competing lender. Not valid if original loan terms or conditions change prior to closing. Once approved, $1,000 will be automatically deposited into your Navy Federal account within 30 calendar days of receiving the necessary documentation. Recipient is solely responsible for any personal tax liability arising out of this incentive.

7

The views expressed in the reviews are solely those of the individuals posting them. The testimonials are substantively the words of the individual reviewer, but may have undergone minor clerical revisions to ensure readability, add context, or protect private information. Any imagery displayed is for decorative purposes only and is not necessarily associated with the reviewer.

8

The program is only available for individual home purchases/sales in the contiguous US, Alaska, and Hawaii, excluding Iowa and all employer-sponsored relocations. You are not required to receive financing through Navy Federal Credit Union in order to receive the benefits of this program. The cash back is only available with the purchase or sale of your home through the use of a program-referred and approved real estate agent, and is offered in most states, with the exception of Iowa, Alaska, and Oklahoma, and is not available in certain transactions with restricted agent commissions (including many new constructions, For Sale by Owner, or For Sale by iBuyer transactions). Your assigned agent can help you identify any transactions where the cash back would not be available. The amount of your cash back depends on the value of the property you are buying or selling. Obtaining the full $9,000 cash back requires transacting in a property valued at $3 million or greater. To calculate your potential cash back amount, please visit the RealtyPlus website: https://navyfederalrealtyplus.com/. The cash back offer is limited to one cash back per property with no limit on the number of times you may use the program. In some states, a gift card or commission credit at closing may be provided in lieu of the cash back. In Kansas and Tennessee, a MasterCard MAX gift card will be issued with preloaded points that are ready for spending at specified retail establishments after closing. State regulations in Kansas limit the dollar amounts and the type of incentive. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing in lieu of cash back. Please check with the program coordinator for details.All real estate commissions are negotiable.Contact RealtyPlus for terms and conditions. Seller listing fees apply. This program is offered, in part, by Anywhere Leads Inc., which may receive a co-operative brokerage fee as a result of a referral to any affiliated real estate companies, including Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, Coldwell Banker®, Century 21®, ERA® Real Estate, and Corcoran. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. This is an advertisem*nt and not a solicitation for agent representation if your property is currently listed with an agent.Anywhere Leads Inc., 175 Park Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940. Licensed broker in the state of Texas. Broker license #9009191.

Mortgages: Get Preapproved for a Home Loan (2024)

FAQs

How long before buying a house should you get preapproved for a loan? ›

Starting early on your search gives you enough time to explore different neighborhoods, view multiple properties, and find the right home for you. The best time to get pre-approved for a mortgage is between 1 and 4 months before buying a home.

Can you get preapproved for a house loan? ›

A preapproval is a great first step toward buying a home. Once your financial information is verified, you'll have a clear idea of how much home you can afford. Getting preapproved before you start your house hunt benefits everyone involved.

Is it worth getting pre-approved for a mortgage? ›

The Bottom Line

A preapproval takes it one step further and verifies the financial information you submit to calculate a more accurate amount. Getting approved early in your home search is a great way to know what you can afford. It will help you narrow in on your dream house and stand out to sellers.

How much does it cost to get pre-approved for a mortgage? ›

Mortgage preapproval is free with many lenders. However, some lenders charge an application fee which you may have to pay upfront regardless of whether you're approved.

Does a pre-approval hurt your credit? ›

No—they may involve a soft inquiry, which won't affect your credit score. If you are pre-approved for a specific card you will receive an offer. The offer itself doesn't generate a hard inquiry, so don't worry—just because you have the offer doesn't mean you've hurt your score.

Is it a hard pull to get pre-approved for a mortgage? ›

A mortgage preapproval can have a hard inquiry on your credit score if you end up applying for the credit.

What credit score is needed to buy a house? ›

For a conventional mortgage in California, you typically need a minimum score of at least 600. If you qualify for certain government-backed loans, however, you may be able to buy a home with a score as low as 500.

Is it better to be pre qualified or pre approved? ›

The biggest difference between the two is that getting pre-qualified is typically a faster and less detailed process, while pre-approvals are more comprehensive and take longer. Getting a pre-qualification or pre-approval letter is generally not a guarantee that you will secure a loan from the lender.

How many lenders should I get pre-approved with? ›

When applying for a mortgage, it's best to compare at least three lenders, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This can help you uncover the ideal combination of loan type, interest rate and fees that meets your needs.

Can you get denied a mortgage after being pre-approved? ›

However, even though prospective homebuyers get pre-approved for a mortgage before shopping for homes, there's no 100% guarantee they'll successfully get financing. Mortgages can get denied and real estate deals can fall apart — even after the buyer is pre-approved.

How long do pre-approvals last? ›

Most lenders will provide a mortgage preapproval letter that expires within 60 to 90 days. Not only can interest rates change during the preapproval window, but so can your financial situation. Either can affect your maximum borrowing potential, which is why lenders don't want to take on the risk beyond 90 days.

What are the cons of pre-approved loan? ›

As you need to get pre-approved loan disbursed within six months from the date of approval, it can create an unintended pressure to purchase a home. If the loan validity expires, then you have to pay the processing fees once again for renewal.

How much do you need to make to get pre approved for a 500k mortgage? ›

In today's climate, the income required to purchase a $500,000 home varies greatly based on personal finances, down payment amount, and interest rate. However, assuming a market rate of 7% and a 10% down payment, your household income would need to be about $128,000 to afford a $500,000 home.

Can I buy a house more expensive than my pre approval? ›

Usually, the preapproval shows the maximum purchase price/loan amount the lender will preapprove you for, and comes with an expiration date. If you try to make an offer on a home for an amount higher than you're preapproved for, sellers are likely to ignore the offer because you won't get approved for the loan.

Can you get preapproved too early? ›

Getting preapproval too early in the house-hunting process can be wasteful for the following reasons: Mortgage preapproval letters are only valid for a limited time—typically 90 days, but possibly as little as 30 days.

How often do pre-approvals fall through? ›

What are my chances of getting denied after preapproval?
Loan program and purposeClosing rate
Conventional purchase80%
FHA refinance65%
FHA purchase78%
VA refinance72%
2 more rows

Can you get denied for a home loan after pre approval? ›

However, even though prospective homebuyers get pre-approved for a mortgage before shopping for homes, there's no 100% guarantee they'll successfully get financing. Mortgages can get denied and real estate deals can fall apart — even after the buyer is pre-approved.

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