If you’re thinking about buying a home, this is always step one—and honestly, it’s one of the most important parts of the entire process.Before you start scrolling Zillow or touring homes, you’ll want to get pre-approved with a lender.
A pre-approval is when a lender looks at your income, credit, and financial situation and tells you how much they’re willing to lend you.It answers two big questions:
Most lenders will ask for:
It sounds like a lot, but it’s usually pretty quick and straightforward.
That means you’re ready to go! You’ll get a pre-approval letter showing your price range, and now the fun part starts... House hunting! But, here’s something I always tell my buyers:
Just because you’re approved for a certain amount doesn’t mean you have to spend that much. We’ll talk through what feels comfortable for you.
Don’t panic, this happens more than you’d think. Usually, it just means:
The good news? A lender can give you a plan to get there. I’ve seen buyers go from “not yet” to homeowners faster than they expected. No's don't have to be permanent.
Getting pre-approved early puts you in a strong position when you find “the one.” In this market, that matters.
Reach out for my recommendation list of local lenders! Do your research, and don't be afraid to shop lenders to get the best option for you!