Pre-approval
Mortgage Pre-Approval
A pre-approval can help you plan your home search and show sellers you are ready. It only takes a few minutes to start.
Takes about 2 minutes. A quick inquiry, not a loan application.
Who it's for
What is a mortgage pre-approval?
A lender’s preliminary assessment of the amount you may be able to borrow, based on a review of your financial information. It is not a guaranteed loan offer or final approval; lender conditions, underwriting, property requirements and changes in your finances can affect the outcome.
Plan your search
Know the loan amount you may qualify for before you start looking at homes.
Show sellers you are ready
A pre-approval letter can demonstrate readiness when you make an offer.
Spot issues early
Reviewing your information up front gives you time to address questions before you are under contract.
The details
Pre-approval vs. pre-qualification
Lenders may use the terms pre-qualification and pre-approval differently. The review may include information you provide and checks of your credit, income and assets. Ask what has been verified, which conditions remain and when the letter expires. Neither letter guarantees a loan; final approval depends on underwriting, the property and continued eligibility.
What you will need to get started. You do not need to have everything perfect; send what you have and we will guide you from there. Generally, we will ask for:
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
- W-2s or tax returns (last 2 years)
- Bank and investment statements (last 2–3 months)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Self-employed? We will also review business tax returns; just ask us what is needed.
Ready to shop? See our home buying guide.
Why get pre-approved first
- Understand the loan amount you may qualify for
- Strengthen your offer with sellers
- Find and fix issues before you are under contract
- Guidance on documents from a licensed loan officer
How it works
One conversation. Many lenders. Your choice.
As a broker, we don’t have one loan to sell you. We compare programs across lenders and walk you through the trade-offs in plain language.
Tell us your goal
A short inquiry: what you want to do, and how to reach you.
We review your options
A licensed loan officer looks at programs across our lender network.
You choose
Compare the trade-offs side by side. No pressure to move forward.
We guide you to closing
Application, processing and underwriting, with one team keeping you updated.
What is the difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification?
Pre-qualification gives a general estimate based on the financial information you share. Pre-approval involves a detailed review of your income, assets and credit, which gives you a stronger position when making an offer.
Is a pre-approval a guarantee?
No. Final approval depends on underwriting, the property and continued eligibility. Ask what has been verified, which conditions remain and when the letter expires.
What documents do I need?
Generally recent pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, bank and investment statements and a government-issued photo ID. Self-employed borrowers may also need business tax returns.
How long does the mortgage process take?
It varies with the loan program and your application. Once we review your situation, a licensed loan officer will walk you through what to expect.
Compare programs
Explore other loan programs
Program availability, eligibility and guidelines vary by lender and may change without notice. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines and property eligibility. This is not a commitment to lend.
See what's possible for your next move.
Two minutes to tell us your goal. A licensed loan officer follows up personally.