Are you aware that choosing the right loan for your ideal property is a crucial step in any homebuying activity? Before you get prequalified and preapproved to loan for your new Minnesota home, you need to keep in mind several measures and have to make sure your credit report is sufficiently examined. A common practice among prospective lenders is scrutinizing the loaner's credit report and other financial records; as you go through loan prequalification and preapproval - secure your free credit report from a major credit bureau so you can check for any errors.

If you do find errors in your credit report, make attempts to have them cleared up as soon as possible and keep written records of all communications with the creditors or the credit bureaus themselves. After that, you're ready to approach the financial side of home buying; here are a few ideas for getting prequalified or preapproved for your first home:

1. Do a research on various mortgage program via the Internet. There are many online resources where you can actually see the lists of current interest rates for various loan packages such as LendingTree.com and Bankrate.com. An initial step would be to look at some options or better yet, submit your personal information for sample or preliminary review. In just a few days, a loan representative may communicate with you and guide you along the way.

2. Approach your area bank. Most people turn to a mortgage loan officer at their bank to obtain a prequalification letter or preapproval status in person. Ilyce Glink, author of '100 Questions Every First Time Home Buyer Should Ask' explains that this process can actually take longer than the online process. However, some people prefer the face-to-face communication and will be more comfortable going to the bank in order to get things started. However, you will be receiving the same type of service either way.

3. Transact using the telephone. Related prequalification services are also provided over the telephone by some lending companies, and you don't have to visit a bank or browse the Internet to begin. Secure the number through a bank or financial institution and from there, you may start sending yout personal details over the telephone.

4. Try a national lender. National lending companies such as Countrywide home loans and Bank of America also offer online services and over-the-phone prequalification and preapprovals, giving you more options for your future loan. Visit these lending companies' websites to learn more about current rates and send in your information to become prequalified for your loan.

5. Visit an aggregator website. This type of online resource provides documents on rates and services offered by different lenders and a good option where you can submit your personal information instead of a bank or any other financial institutions. Several options are available for you to choose from after you have submitted your info.

Buying a home is much easier when you know the basics in getting pre-qualified and pre-approved for a home loan. Refer to these essential steps for you to make the most in your pursuit to purchase your first home.