Yes, it is a good idea to complete this step prior to moving forward with the next steps in the process but if you are already working with an agent, they should be able to refer you to a lender that can get you preapproved.

There are some loan products that approve loans with a credit score as low as 580, however, eligibility crieteria considered such as income, tax returns, Debt-To-Income ratio (DTI), and bank statements to name a few, must be up to par.

It will depend on your loan product and credit score. On average, you can estimate 3%-6% of the sales price down, depending on loan type.

Bankruptcy doesn't prevent you from buying a home, however, there is a waiting period depeding on which type of bankruptcy is filed. The waiting period for most lenders is 2-4 years after the bankruptcy has been discharged but this varies.

Contact us to discuss your situation and concerns and allow us to work with you to curate a solution to your needs.