Finance
Get Pre-Approved
A mortgage pre-approval is your first step toward confident, competitive home buying.
Why Get Pre-Approved?
Pre-approval gives you a serious edge in the home buying process
Strengthen Your Offer
Sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously. Your offer stands out in competitive markets with multiple bids.
Know Your Budget
A pre-approval defines your exact price range so you can focus on homes you can truly afford — no surprises later.
Faster Closing
Much of the paperwork is done upfront. Pre-approved buyers often close 1-2 weeks faster than those starting from scratch.
Lock In Your Rate
Many lenders offer rate locks during the pre-approval period, protecting you from rate fluctuations while you shop.
Competitive Advantage
In hot markets, listing agents favor pre-approved buyers. It signals financial readiness and reduces the risk of deals falling through.
Negotiating Power
Pre-approval gives you leverage to negotiate better terms, request repairs, or ask for seller concessions.
Pre-Approval Questions
What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is an informal estimate of what you might be able to borrow based on self-reported information. Pre-Verification involves a full financial review by a lender — including credit check, income verification, and asset review — resulting in a conditional commitment to lend.
What documents do I need for pre-approval?
Typically you will need: last 2 years of tax returns, recent pay stubs (30 days), W-2s, bank statements (2-3 months), photo ID, and employment verification. Self-employed borrowers may also need profit/loss statements.
How long does a pre-approval last?
Most pre-approval letters are valid for 60 to 90 days. If you need more time, your lender can update your application with a quick re-verification.
Does pre-approval affect my credit score?
A pre-approval requires a hard credit inquiry, which may temporarily lower your score by a few points. However, multiple mortgage inquiries within a 14-45 day window are typically counted as a single inquiry.
Can I be denied after pre-approval?
While uncommon, denial is possible if your financial situation changes — such as a new large debt, job change, or significant drop in credit score. Avoid major financial changes between pre-approval and closing.
Start Your Pre-Approval Today
Our lending partners will walk you through the process and help you find the best mortgage product.