Mortgages: Get Preapproved for a Home Loan (2024)

To continue enjoying all the features of Navy Federal Online, please use a compatible browser. You can confirm your browser capability here.

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 could lower your rate then.1

Learn Moreabout reducing your rate

We are sorry, we are having trouble retrieving our rates information. Check back later, or call us at 1-888-842-6328 to speak with a rep about our most up-to-date rates.

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.

  • Preapprovals in seconds
  • No-refi rate drop—buy now, and you could get a lower rate later1
  • Special Freedom Lock—your rate is protected3
  • VA Loan expertise—we're a top lender!4
  • 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.Learn about your loan options, the benefits of a Verified Preapproval letter and different ways you could save money.

Learn More about our Home Buying Center

Expect Our Dedicated Service

Our best-in-class service doesn't end at closing. We'll be with you as long as you have your loan with us, providing the same first-class assistance you've come to expect. See how we performed in theJ.D. Power 2023 U.S. Mortgage Servicer Satisfaction Study!

Read the Report with RealtyPlus

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 Option for You

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

    Learn Moreabout Best Mortgage Option 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

  • Alternatives to Foreclosure

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

    Learn Moreabout Alternatives to 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 subject to further confirmation of details, if you meet the initial requirements. 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. Get more information about mortgage preapprovals here.

What will my monthly mortgage payment be?

To estimate your monthly mortgage principal and interest 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 could buy a home even if you have less-than-perfect credit. We can help you find the best available 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@$MORTGAGES|ldp|DB88D6504FFE04F785257E52003CEBA31|AMOUNT|300000|30YR$@ for 30 years at@$MORTGAGES|ldp|DB88D6504FFE04F785257E52003CEBA31|INTEREST$@ interest and@$MORTGAGES|ldp|DB88D6504FFE04F785257E52003CEBA31|RATE$@ APR will have a monthly payment of @$MORTGAGES|ldp|DB88D6504FFE04F785257E52003CEBA31|PE$@. A Jumbo Military Choice loan of@$MORTGAGES|ldp|CFEC4332F350151E852571B0003DAFC61|AMOUNT|800000|30YR$@ for 30 years at@$MORTGAGES|ldp|CFEC4332F350151E852571B0003DAFC61|INTEREST$@ interest and@$MORTGAGES|ldp|CFEC4332F350151E852571B0003DAFC61|RATE$@ APR will have a monthly payment of @$MORTGAGES|ldp|CFEC4332F350151E852571B0003DAFC61|PE$@. 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@$MORTGAGES|ldp|13D41A05913CB0A9852571B0003DAFC31|AMOUNT|300000|30YR$@ for 30 years at@$MORTGAGES|ldp|13D41A05913CB0A9852571B0003DAFC31|INTEREST$@ interest and@$MORTGAGES|ldp|13D41A05913CB0A9852571B0003DAFC31|RATE$@ APR will have a monthly payment of @$MORTGAGES|ldp|13D41A05913CB0A9852571B0003DAFC31|PE$@. A Jumbo Homebuyers Choice loan of@$MORTGAGES|ldp|259C597E0008EA1F85257E52003CF2811|AMOUNT|800000|30YR$@ for 30 years at@$MORTGAGES|ldp|259C597E0008EA1F85257E52003CF2811|INTEREST$@ interest and@$MORTGAGES|ldp|259C597E0008EA1F85257E52003CF2811|RATE$@ APR will have a monthly payment of @$MORTGAGES|ldp|259C597E0008EA1F85257E52003CF2811||PE$@. 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@$MORTGAGES|fixed|09A757CFBE6FB252852574E200451E361|AMOUNT|800000|30YR$@ for 30 years at@$MORTGAGES|fixed|09A757CFBE6FB252852574E200451E361|INTEREST$@ interest and@$MORTGAGES|fixed|09A757CFBE6FB252852574E200451E361|RATE$@ APR will have a monthly payment of @$MORTGAGES|fixed|09A757CFBE6FB252852574E200451E361|PE$@. 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

@$MORTGAGES|fixed|9914C3F704E01FB9852574E200451E351|AMOUNT|300000|30YR$@fixed-rate conventional mortgage for 30 years at@$MORTGAGES|fixed|9914C3F704E01FB9852574E200451E351|INTEREST$@ (@$MORTGAGES|fixed|9914C3F704E01FB9852574E200451E351|RATE$@ APR) will result in a monthly payment of @$MORTGAGES|fixed|9914C3F704E01FB9852574E200451E351|PE$@.
@$MORTGAGES|gov|A8D8CA018FD6F9E285257425003D60E01|AMOUNT|300000|30YR$@ VA mortgage for 30 years at@$MORTGAGES|gov|A8D8CA018FD6F9E285257425003D60E01|INTEREST$@ (@$MORTGAGES|gov|A8D8CA018FD6F9E285257425003D60E01|RATE$@ APR) will result in a monthly payment of @$MORTGAGES|gov|A8D8CA018FD6F9E285257425003D60E01|PE$@.

Taxes and insurance not included; therefore the actual payment obligation will be greater. Includes a 1.00% loan origination fee, which may be waived for a 0.25% increase in the interest rate. Discount points are included. Occupancy restriction applies. All loans subject to credit approval. Rate offer is "as low as" and effective @$MORTGAGES|gov|EFFECTIVE_DATE$@. Rates are subject to change. Conventional loan rates based on creditworthiness, so your rate may differ. For VA loans, all VA program requirements will apply. Navy Federal has no affiliation with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any other government agency.

3

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.

4

Navy Federal Credit Union was included in 9 Best VA Lenders in March 2024 bymoney.com.

5

Product features subject to approval. Occupancy restriction applies. Subject to funding fee, which may be financed up to the maximum allowed loan amount. Conventional loans: 100% financing available for purchase loans only. VA loans: 100% financing subject to all VA program requirements. Navy Federal has no affiliation with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any other government agency.

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. Loans utilizing the Lock and Shop program are not eligible. 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

Is it good to get pre-approved for a home loan? ›

You'll put yourself ahead of the curve by getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Being pre-approved before you step into the housing market not only makes you a better-informed shopper, you'll also be a more attractive buyer to potential sellers.

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.

What do they look at to get preapproved for a mortgage? ›

Documents such as employment and income verification, asset statements, debt information, credit history and identification are necessary for mortgage preapproval. Preapproval letters are typically valid for 90 days and can be obtained within a few days if all necessary documents are provided.

Does getting preapproved for a mortgage hurt credit? ›

Key takeaways. Getting preapproved for a mortgage requires a hard credit pull, which can lower your credit score. However, the drop in score is fairly minimal and only temporary. For most people, the benefits of preapproval outweigh this drawback.

Is there a downside to getting preapproved? ›

Although a preapproval may affect your credit score, it plays an important step in the home buying process and is recommended to have. The good news is that this ding on your credit score is only temporary.

Can a mortgage fall through 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.

How fast can I get preapproved for a mortgage? ›

Depending on the mortgage lender you work with and whether you qualify, you could get a preapproval in as little as one business day, but it usually takes a few days or even a week to receive. And if you have to undergo an income audit or other verifications, it can take longer than that.

How many times can you get preapproved for a house? ›

There is technically no limit on the number of pre-approvals you can get which makes shopping around with different lenders a no-brainer. Comparing offers: When you go straight to your bank to get a pre-approval, there's little incentive for them to give you the best mortgage terms.

Does pre-approval include down payment? ›

The pre-approval process requires copies of your pay stubs as proof of income, a financial background check, bank statements, down payment amount, desired mortgage amount, tax information, and so on.

How much does pre-approval cost? ›

There is usually no charge for a preapproval from a lender. Tip: Remember, a mortgage preapproval is not a firm commitment by a lender to offer you a loan.

What happens after you are preapproved for a house? ›

Once you've been preapproved, you can shop for homes and put in offers — but when you find a house you want to put under contract, you'll have to get that approval finalized.

What credit score is needed to buy a house? ›

The minimum credit score needed for most mortgages is typically around 620. However, government-backed mortgages like Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans typically have lower credit requirements than conventional fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).

Can you be turned down after getting pre-approval mortgage? ›

Even though pre-approval is a comprehensive, essential first step in buying, it isn't a done deal. A mortgage can be denied after pre-approval, and is one of the main reasons that property sales fall through.

How long do pre-approvals last? ›

Most preapprovals are good for 90 days, but some lenders issue 60-day and 30-day limits. Best practice is to get preapproved for a mortgage just before you begin serious house hunting.

Are you guaranteed a mortgage with a pre-approval? ›

A preapproval letter is based on assumptions and it is not a guaranteed loan offer. But, it lets the seller know that you are likely to be able to get financing. Sellers frequently require a preapproval letter before accepting your offer on a house.

What are the cons of pre-approved loan? ›

2. Potential for Higher Fees: While pre-approved personal loans may offer competitive interest rates, borrowers should be mindful of potential fees associated with these loans. Some lenders may charge origination fees, prepayment penalties, or other fees that can increase the overall cost of borrowing.

Does pre-approved mean you will get the loan? ›

Both pre-qualified and pre-approved mean that a lender has reviewed your financial situation and determined that you meet at least some of their requirements to be approved for a loan. Getting a pre-qualification or pre-approval letter is generally not a guarantee that you will receive a loan from the lender.

Does loan pre-approval guarantee success? ›

You'll also provide information about your income and assets. The evaluation process can take 10 days or more. Again, preapproval doesn't mean it's a done deal that you'll get the loan, but it is a solid indication of your financial situation and ability to purchase a home.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated:

Views: 6075

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (58 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.