Buying a home is an exciting journey, but before you start house hunting, getting pre-approved for a mortgage can give you a significant advantage. A mortgage pre-approval not only helps you understand how much you can afford but also makes your offer stronger in a competitive market.
So, what exactly happens during the pre-approval process? Let’s break it down step by step.
What Is a Mortgage Pre-Approval?
A mortgage pre-approval is a lender’s confirmation of how much they are willing to lend you based on your financial situation, credit score, and income. This gives you a clear budget and helps you shop for homes with confidence.
📌 Why Get Pre-Approved?
✅ Know your price range before house hunting
✅ Gain an edge over other buyers in a competitive market
✅ Identify potential credit or financial issues early
✅ Lock in an interest rate for a limited time
Step-by-Step Mortgage Pre-Approval Process
1. Gather Your Financial Documents
Lenders will need to review your financial history to determine your eligibility. Be prepared to provide:
- Proof of Income – Recent pay stubs, tax returns, or T4s
- Employment Verification – A letter from your employer confirming job status
- Bank Statements – Showing savings and down payment funds
- Debt & Liabilities – Details of existing loans, credit cards, or financial obligations
💡 Tip: Having all your documents ready speeds up the pre-approval process!
2. Credit Check & Debt Assessment
Your lender will review your credit score and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio to assess your financial stability.
✔ Credit Score – A higher score means better mortgage rates and approval chances. Most lenders prefer a score of at least 680, but some options exist for lower scores.
✔ Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) – Ideally, your total monthly debt payments (including the new mortgage) shouldn’t exceed 44% of your gross income.
If your credit score is lower than expected, don’t worry! A mortgage broker can help you improve it or explore alternative lending options.
3. Pre-Approval Decision & Letter Issuance
If you meet the lender’s criteria, they’ll issue a pre-approval letter, which includes:
📌 The maximum amount you can borrow
📌 The interest rate (if locked in)
📌 The mortgage term and conditions
How Long Does It Last?
Most pre-approvals are valid for 60 to 120 days, giving you time to find a home without worrying about interest rate fluctuations
What Happens After Pre-Approval?
Once you’re pre-approved, you can confidently start your home search within your budget. However, keep in mind:
❌ Pre-Approval Is Not a Guarantee – Final mortgage approval happens after you submit an accepted offer, and the lender re-evaluates your financial standing.
❌ Avoid Major Financial Changes – Don’t take on new debt, change jobs, or make large purchases before finalizing your mortgage!
Final Thoughts: Get Pre-Approved with Confidence
A mortgage pre-approval simplifies your home-buying journey by giving you financial clarity and a competitive edge in the market. The sooner you get pre-approved, the better prepared you’ll be to make an offer when you find the perfect home.
💬 Need expert guidance? At Sheth Mortgages, we simplify the mortgage process and help you find the best financing options. Let’s get you pre-approved today!
📞 Contact us now to get started!