I am a reporter for a nationally syndicated real estate section published weekly in newspapers across the country. I’m looking to interview real estate agents, brokers, lenders, insurance experts, property attorneys and other housing experts for the following article with a very tight deadline turnaround of noon central, Monday, Oct. 20 or sooner (I give preference to first responders).

STORY: MAJORITY BELIEVE NOW IS GOOD TIME TO BUY, BUT MANY FEAR THEY WON'T QUALIFY FOR MORTGAGE. While more than two-thirds of Americans (68 percent) feel that now is a good time to buy a home, many may be reluctant to do so because of uncertainty about qualifying for a mortgage or navigating the homebuying process, per a new report (visit tinyurl.com/qj7v2jz for details). 30 percent of respondents believe that only individuals with high incomes can obtain a mortgage; While 64 percent of respondents said that they are knowledgeable about how much of a down payment is needed to buy a home, nearly half (44 percent) also believe that a 20 percent down payment is required. 44 percent said that they know nothing or very little about the closing costs required for buying a home. This article would examine the study's findings and separate the truths about qualifying for a mortgage from the myths/mistaken beliefs. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to for this story. Please e-mail me back your interest, availability and phone number. My deadline is noon central time, Monday, Oct. 20.

QUESTIONS:

1. What findings from the Wells-Fargo poll conducted (details at tinyurl.com/qj7v2jz) most surprised you and why?

2. Are the Americans who fear they won’t qualify justified in their fears? In other words, is it harder to qualify for a mortgage right now, based on current market/financial conditions, or are these fears unnecessary/ungrounded?

3. What can and should be done to demystify some of these incorrect assumptions and misguided fears? What can prospective mortgage borrowers do to overcome these fears?

4. Can you provide any truths/facts about qualifying for a mortgage that can allay these fears and put prospective borrowers more at ease?

5. What steps should prospective borrowers take to better ensure that they do qualify for a mortgage? Any tips here?

6. Any other thoughts, tips, suggestions on this topic that I failed to ask about?

7. What is your full name, title, company, and location where you are based?