Hello. My name is Erik Martin and I am a reporter for a nationally syndicated real estate section published weekly in newspapers across the country (see past examples at tinyurl.com/rewejm). I’m looking to interview mortgage/lending professionals, realtors/agents, and other housing experts for the following article: SIX REASONS TO SEEK PREAPPROVEAL FOR A MORTGAGE WHEN YOU HAVE IMPERFECT CREDIT. Many hopeful homebuyers feel flaws in their credit background will prevent them from buying a home. Yet it’s actually getting easier to qualify for a mortgage (the average FICO score fell from 737 in 2013 to 720 in Feb. 2016). This article will explore why it’s especially important for those with imperfect credit to secure a mortgage preapproval, not just prequalification. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to. I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, please email me back full-sentence written responses that I can use as quotes). My deadline is noon central time, Wednesday, June 8.
QUESTIONS:1. Why/how is it actually getting easier to qualify for a mortgage, even if you have imperfect credit (e.g., Ellie Mae reports that the average FICO score fell from 737 in 2013 to 720 in Feb. 2016)? Do you have any other recent data you can cite that indicates this trend?2. What should the minimum FICO score be today to qualify for a mortgage?3. What is the difference between a mortgage prequalification and a mortgage preapproval? Which comes first, are both necessary, and which is more important?4. Please list at least 3 (preferably 5-6) reasons why it’s especially important for those with imperfect credit to secure a mortgage preapproval, not just prequalification.5. What tips can you provide to those with imperfect credit so they can improve their chances of getting preapproved and of securing a mortgage?6. Any other thoughts, tips or suggestions on this topic?7. What is your full name, title, company, city/state location, and email address?
Keywords
mortgage/lending professionals, realtors/agents, housing experts
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