When you’re gearing up to buy a home, there’s one essential step you can’t afford to overlook: getting pre-approved. Here’s a breakdown of what pre-approval is and why it’s a game-changer in today’s competitive housing market.

What Is Pre-Approval?

Think of pre-approval as getting the green light from a lender. It’s an official confirmation of how much they’re willing to let you borrow for a home, based on a review of your financial history.

According to Realtor.com, here are some of the key documents lenders typically require during the pre-approval process:

• W-2s from the past two years
• Tax returns from the last two years
• Pay stubs from the last 30 days
• Bank statements from the last 60 days
• Investment account statements (if applicable)
• A two-year history of your residential addresses

Once the review is complete, you’ll receive a pre-approval letter stating the amount you’re approved to borrow. But remember, your pre-approval status can change if your financial situation changes. Avoid making major financial moves—like changing jobs, applying for new credit, or withdrawing large amounts from savings—after receiving your pre-approval.

How Pre-Approval Helps You Understand Your Budget

In today’s market, where home prices are expected to rise in many areas and mortgage rates remain unpredictable, pre-approval is more important than ever. It not only helps you understand how much you can borrow but also provides an opportunity to discuss your loan options with a lender and gauge how fluctuating rates may impact your monthly payments.

By knowing your borrowing limit, you can confidently set a budget and focus your home search on properties that align with your financial comfort zone. This prevents you from falling in love with a home that stretches your budget too thin.

How Pre-Approval Strengthens Your Offer

Pre-approval offers another major advantage when it’s time to make an offer on a home: it makes you a more attractive buyer. Sellers see pre-approved buyers as serious contenders because they’ve already undergone a thorough review of their financials.

As Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, explains:

“Preapproval carries more weight because it means lenders have actually done more than a cursory review of your credit and your finances. A preapproval means you’ve cleared the hurdles necessary to be approved for a mortgage up to a certain dollar amount.”

In a competitive market, this added credibility can make your offer stand out to sellers, increasing your chances of securing the home you want.

The Bottom Line

If you’re planning to buy a home, getting pre-approved should be one of the first items on your to-do list. It helps you understand your borrowing power, narrows your home search, and positions you as a serious buyer.

Reach out to a trusted lender today to get started on your pre-approval and take a confident step toward your dream home.