Before you fall in love with a home, get pre-approved. It’s more than just a piece of paper — it’s your first step to buying power.
Pre-approval means:
A lender has reviewed your credit, income, and debt and conditionally approved you for a loan amount.
Why it matters:
- Shows sellers you’re serious
- Gives you a clear budget
- Speeds up closing once under contract
- Helps uncover credit or documentation issues early
Not the same as pre-qualification: That’s just a rough estimate, while pre-approval is more formal and credible.
Bring documents like W2s, pay stubs, bank statements, and ID. Once pre-approved, lock in your rate if possible — they can change fast.
