Should You Get Pre-Approved Before House Hunting?
You’re scrolling MLS® listings, saving dream kitchens and front porches to your “someday” folder… but wait—should you talk to a mortgage person first?
Yep. And I promise I’m not just saying that because I am one. 😄
Getting pre-approved isn’t just a formality—it’s your best friend when you're house hunting. Here’s why it matters and what to expect when you do it.
🏡 What does “pre-approved” actually mean?
A mortgage pre-approval is a written estimate from a lender (or mortgage agent like yours truly 💁♀️) that outlines how much you could borrow based on your financial situation.
It’s not a final commitment, but it shows:
The maximum purchase price you can afford
The estimated monthly payments
Your interest rate, often locked in for 90–120 days
🔗 tinyurl.com/CharlotteFergusonMortgages
💡 Why get pre-approved before you shop?
Think of it like grocery shopping with a budget—you make smarter choices, faster, and avoid awkward surprises at the checkout.
Benefits of pre-approval:
Know your price range (goodbye heartbreak over homes you can’t afford 💔)
Be taken seriously by REALTORS® and sellers
Lock in a rate while you shop (rates change, people!)
Spot red flags early (like credit issues or missing documents)
🧾 What do I need to get pre-approved?
It's easier than you think. Most lenders (and I) will ask for:
Government ID
Proof of income (pay stubs or self-employed docs)
Employment details
Recent bank statements
Info on debts (credit cards, car loans, etc.)
🔗 tinyurl.com/CharlotteFergusonMortgages
👀 Does pre-approval guarantee I’ll get the mortgage?
Not quite. It’s a strong starting point, but the lender still has to:
Review your chosen property
Confirm your income and documents
Do a full credit check at application
That’s why working with a mortgage agent matters—we help keep your file strong all the way through.
⏱️ When should I get pre-approved?
As soon as you’re thinking about buying. You don’t have to be “ready-ready.” In fact, a pre-approval can help you get ready by showing you what to focus on—whether that’s saving more, paying down debt, or tweaking your timeline.
👉 Thinking about your next move? Let’s chat mortgages + MLS® today.