Everyone knows that buying a home isn't easy or simple. One of the things that make it complicated is the part where you would have to apply for a mortgage loan to finance your purchase. Once you've gotten over this part, you can proceed to the next step, which is the fun part where you get to look for your dream home. But first, here are the things you need to do when it comes to getting a loan.

Step 1 – Assess your finances

First, you need to assess your finances. Look at how much you're earning and spending every month. Consider your assets and liabilities, as well. This will enable you to figure out how much of a monthly payment you can afford to pay  every month. Don't forget to take into account the stability of your job. It is also a must to fix low credit rating prior to loan application to get a better deal.

Step 2 – Save up for the down payment

Give yourself time to save up for the down payment before taking on a loan. The bigger the down payment you can make, the lower the amount of the monthly payment and overall cost of the loan would be. At least, strive to reach 20 percent down payment so that loan repayment wouldn't be that difficult.

Step 3 – Get quotes from various lenders

After that, the next step would be to get quotes from various lenders. Banks are not the only choices. You can also consider borrowing money from thrift institutions, mortgage companies and credit unions. All these lenders would give you different rates, so it is best that you get not only a few, but many quotes to study.

Step 4 – Compare and study rates carefully

When comparing the rates, you just don't look at the overall cost of the loan or the monthly payment. You should not forget to include the interest rates and all the other fees, especially the hidden ones, which may cause the loan to bloat. Determine also whether the interest rate offered is fixed or variable. It's always better to go for the fixed rate, especially if the current interest in the market is low, so you can plan your repayments more efficiently.

Step 5 – Gather the requirements

Once you've chosen a reputable lender that will give you the best possible deal, work on gathering requirements. Requirements vary from one lender to another, but these would generally include credit reports, proof of income, identification documents, and so on.

Step 6 – Apply for the loan

Now that everything is in order, you can apply for the loan. Fill out the application form and submit the requirements. Wait  a couple of days for the approval of your loan.

After you've secured a loan, you can now check out your options on properties. The first factor you have to consider is, of course, the location. In the United States, Colorado is one of the best choices for residential living. Study about the Boulder real estate and Denver real estate to get to know more about these.