Before you start house hunting, there’s one step that can make everything smoother and less stressful: getting pre-approved for a mortgage. It’s not just a formality. It’s a powerful tool that shows sellers you’re serious and helps you understand exactly what you can afford.

Let’s go over what pre-approval really means, how to get it, and why it’s such a smart first move.

What Is Mortgage Pre-Approval?

Pre-approval is when a lender takes a close look at your finances and gives you a conditional commitment for how much they’re willing to lend you. It includes a specific mortgage amount and often an interest rate that’s locked in for a certain period and usually 60 to 120 days.

This isn’t the same as a pre-qualification, which is just a rough estimate. Pre-approval is more thorough and carries more weight.

Why Pre-Approval Matters

There are a few key reasons to get pre-approved before shopping for a home

1. You’ll know your budget

You’ll get a clear picture of what you can afford, including the maximum purchase price and expected monthly payments. This helps you avoid falling in love with homes that are out of reach

2. You’ll be taken seriously

Sellers and real estate agents see pre-approved buyers as more serious and ready to move. In competitive markets, it can give you an edge over other buyers

3. It protects you from rate increases

If interest rates go up while you’re still house hunting, your pre-approved rate is often locked in which can save you money

What You’ll Need to Provide

To get pre-approved, your lender or mortgage agent will ask for some documents and information. These usually include:

The process can often be done online or over the phone, and it usually takes a day or two once all your documents are submitted.

How Long Is a Pre-Approval Good For?

Most pre-approvals are valid for 90 to 120 days. If you don’t find a home within that window, you may need to update your documents or reapply to keep things current.

It’s also worth noting that being pre-approved doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a mortgage. The lender will still need to review the specific property you choose, especially to confirm its value and condition.

A Pre-Approval Is a Starting Point

Once you’re pre-approved, you’ll have a clear idea of what your home buying budget looks like. That said, you don’t have to spend the full amount. It’s often smarter to aim below your maximum and keep some breathing room in your budget.

Getting pre-approved is one of the smartest things you can do at the beginning of your home buying journey. It gives you confidence, clarity, and credibility and sets the stage for a smoother process from start to finish.

If you’d like help getting pre-approved or just want to understand what you’d qualify for, I’m always here to guide you through the next step!