How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage (First-Time Buyer Guide)

🏡 Thinking about buying your first home? Before you start touring properties or scrolling Zillow for hours, there’s one smart step you don’t want to skip: getting pre-approved for a mortgage.

Mortgage pre-approval gives you a clear idea of how much home you can afford—and shows sellers you're serious. In a competitive market, it’s your ticket to standing out.

💡 What Does Pre-Approval Even Mean?

Pre-approval is when a lender reviews your financial information and conditionally agrees to lend you a specific amount. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a major step toward getting a mortgage.

✅ You’ll receive a pre-approval letter, which you can include with offers to show sellers you’re ready to buy.

✅ Why Getting Pre-Approved Matters

• Know your budget before you fall in love with a home

• Speed up the buying process when you're ready to make an offer

• Strengthen your offers in competitive markets

• Spot potential credit or income issues early

🔑 Step-by-Step: How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

1. Check Your Credit Score

Your credit score impacts what type of loan you qualify for and your interest rate.
📊 Aim for 620+ (minimum for most loans), but 740+ gets you the best rates.
👉 Tip: Check your credit report for errors before applying.

2. Gather Financial Documents

Lenders will ask for:

• Pay stubs (last 30 days)

• W-2s or 1099s (last 2 years)

• Bank statements (last 2–3 months)

• Tax returns (last 2 years)

• ID (like a driver’s license)

🗂 Being organized = a faster process.

3. Choose a Mortgage Lender

You can apply through:

• A bank or credit union

• A mortgage broker

• Online lenders (Rocket Mortgage, Better.com, etc.)

📞 Tip: Compare interest rates, fees, and reviews before deciding.

4. Complete a Mortgage Application

You’ll fill out a form called a Uniform Residential Loan Application. It includes personal, employment, and financial info.

💬 Be honest! Inaccurate info can delay or deny your loan.

5. Get Your Pre-Approval Letter

If you qualify, your lender will issue a pre-approval letter—usually valid for 60–90 days.

🏡 Now you can house hunt with confidence!

🧠 Extra Tips for First-Time Buyers

• Don’t open new credit cards or make large purchases during the process

• Avoid switching jobs before closing

• Keep your debt-to-income ratio low

📝 FAQ: What’s the Difference Between Pre-Approval and Pre-Qualification?

• Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on self-reported info

• Pre-approval is more in-depth and verified by a lender

💡 Sellers usually want to see pre-approval over pre-qualification.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Be Ready Before You Shop

Getting pre-approved is one of the smartest first steps in your home buying journey. It gives you a budget, builds confidence, and sets you up for success.

👉 Ready to get started?

If you're thinking about buying your first home and want help connecting with a trusted lender—or just have questions—I'm here to help!

📲 Contact me today for first-time buyer support, trusted resources, and next steps.

Renting vs. Buying: Which is Right for You?

🏡 Trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home? You’re not alone. With rising costs, interest rates, and changing lifestyles, the choice isn’t always black and white.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you make a confident move:

🔑 Why Rent?

• ✅ Lower upfront costs — no down payment, no property taxes

• ✅ Flexibility — easy to move, perfect for short-term plans

• ✅ No maintenance stress — landlords handle repairs

Best for: people who want freedom, are new to an area, or are building savings.

🏠 Why Buy?

• ✅ Build equity — your payments go toward ownership, not rent

• ✅ Long-term investment — home values can grow over time

• ✅ Customize your space — no landlord rules on upgrades or pets

Best for: those ready to settle down, build wealth, and lock in stable payments.

💬 Final Thought

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and goals. Want help deciding? I’m here to guide you through the process, no pressure.

Try this calculator to see what is best for you!

📲 Contact me today to explore your options!