Ron Rovtar

This is a good time to talk to someone who can help you improve your score. A FREE "HUD-approved counseling service" (found by googling the phrase in quotes) can help. Often a good mortgage broker can help you get your scores in order with some advice about improving your situation and getting rid of mistakes on your credit report. Kind regards, Ron Rovtar Prudential Real Estate of the Rockies Boulder, CO

Hi Samantha: I always suggest that sellers contact several agents before selecting one to list a home. Agents are different, they have different strengths and weaknesses and they offer different marketing programs. Choose one you are comfortable with. Best, Ron Rovtar

As noted by others 620 is a good rule of thumb. However, you should not assume that you will not be able to buy if your score is a little lower. If you have questions, you should talk to a mortgage broker for four reasons. 1) Your interest rate will depend to some extent on your credit score, but also other financial information you provide; 2) your credit score is NOT written in stone. A good broker can help you improve your score with some simple adjustment or by finding mistakes in the credit report and correcting them; 3) a broker can and will look at other financial information from you that will affect your ability to borrow. It is not just your credit score that matters. 4) brokers can search for the best loan product for you in particular You may have noticed that I mention "brokers," but not necessarily banks. Some banks (and other financial institutions) can also help you. However, some banks may have limited or no options if you don't qualify for their in-house products. And some loan officers at banks seem a little less motivated to work with you if you cannot qualify immediately. Best, Ron Rovtar, Prudential Real Estate of the Rockies, Boulder CO

This website is very good with rentals, but you can also look at other top real estate sites, hotpads, google and yahoo for rental info. Best, Ron

Hi Matildia: There are some websites that might help. I would google "rent to own," "lease own" or "lease to own." However, be careful about spending any money on these sites or about signing any agreements without an attorney's guidance. There are a lot of scams involving real estate right now. And, for the record, I do not recommend any particular websites. Best, Ron Rovtar, Boulder, CO

Him Timothy: Talking to a lenders and real estate agents is a good start. You will notice I used plural forms above. You should interview more than on in each category. Among lenders, you should consider mortgage brokers as well as banks. Often brokers can help you shop for the best available interest rates, which will save you a lot of money in the long term. It often is good to get recommendations for both lenders and agents from friends, neighbors and family. Find out why acquaintances like the people they recommend, then interview a few that sound best for you. You will learn a lot about buying through the process and probably will find the best people for you to work with. You can also read answers posted here (and at other websites). By reading answers to other people's questions, you may find agents and lenders who seem more consumer oriented. I hope all this helps. Best, Ron Rovtar, Prudential Real Estate of the Rockies, Boulder, CO.

As others have mentioned, you are not required to use a lender just because that lender pre-qualified you. However, that lender will want the opportunity to sell you on the company's loan programs and it may be worth your time to listen. But, you should shop around for the best loan for you. Best, Ron Rovtar, Boulder, CO.

Hi Ksenia: The answer will have a lot to do with your current financial situation and your credit score. But this is a good time to start working on this issue with a mortgage broker. A good broker will help you get everything in order so that you will have a good chance of getting a loan when you apply. I would interview several brokers and find one that seems best for you. Kind regards, Ron Rovtar, Prudential Real Estate of the Rockies, Boulder, CO

Hi Tammy: Since real estate agents usually answer questions on this board, it may not be the best place to get a good answer about the website itself. For questions like yours, I would go to the "customer support" link at the bottom of this page. You can fill out the form on the landing page and I am sure the good folks at this site will be happy to help! Best, Ron Rovtar, Boulder, CO