If there is no application fee or other cost associated with making the application, you may wish to do so once the seller has accepted the purchase offer. Certain lenders permit prospective buyers to apply before they even make a purchase offer. The bank then will “pre-approve” the buyer for a certain loan amount, subject to the buyer finding an acceptable house. If the lender will be charging an application fee or other non-refundable fee, you should delay making your mortgage application until both attorneys have approved the contract and certain “preliminary” contingencies (if any) have been satisfied.
