Shopping around to get pre-approval for a 1st time home purchase
As the title states, I am looking to purchase my first home (To live in) and I would like to get pre-approved very soon. I was exploring the option of both conventional 20% down and FHA loans. I had several questions regarding pre-approval and the loan types:
1. When shopping around for a loan, only 1 hard pull will affect my credit(In the 30 day period), no matter the type of loan I apply for, correct?
2. Are there any special first time home buyer programs that offer great rates as well as waive any fees to strong candidate lenders (For reference, I have a perfect credit history with a score of about 800)?
3. Any benefits to cosigning a mortgage with a spouse (Spouse has credit score in high 700s), or am I better off signing for it on my name only? (For the price range I am looking at, I am not concerned about not having enough income)
Thank you!