11/04/2026
First time buyer edition of rock, paper, scissors.
Every losing hand in this post is something I see all the time, and none of it comes from being careless. It’s just what happens when nobody walks you through the order of things before you start.
Here's what you should know about the winning hands:
The interest rate on a quote only tells part of the story. Upfront fees, loan options, and how long you live there all shape what the loan actually costs.
Pre-qualifying is a quick estimate. A full pre-approval means your income, assets and credit have actually been reviewed, so the number you shop with is one you can stand behind.
Document gathering is much simpler when you have the entire checklist upfront and upload everything together. A complete file moves faster, saving you from endless follow-up emails.
Which round would you have lost? Be honest, I won’t judge 🫣
— Victoria Baskfield, your go-to mortgage broker in Atlanta, Georgia
