If you want to ace the home loan process, it pays to be prepared. And in today’s market, you want to be an ace!

With the current goal to secure today’s spectacularly low interest rate loans before interest rates go higher, lenders get backed up quickly. That means processing times can take longer. This is on top of any rule updates and seasonal rushes. In order to speed loan applications through the system and close on time, it’s best to have your paperwork in order in advance. This is especially true for those purchasing properties who want their pre-approvals to stick. So, it is best to be prepared before you meet with your lender, or you may get sent to the back of the line. What documents will you need? Read on to find out.

There is a lot that goes into buying a home. Most veteran home buyers know that the list price is not the total amount you end up spending on the home. With property taxes, insurance and miscellaneous closing costs, this number is typically thousands of dollars higher than the negotiated purchase price. In many cases this can have a huge impact on whether or not you move forward with the property. These costs and expenses are part of every bank loan you use to finance the purchase. As a result, you should know exactly what your bottom line is before you get in too deep.

Here are the five most common home buying expenses.