Mortgage Pre-Approval: The First Step to Your Dream Home

Kira Galipeau
Mar 9, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Mar 21, 2025

So, you’re ready to buy a home? Before you start dreaming about the perfect backyard or your future kitchen, there’s one important step you shouldn’t skip: getting a mortgage pre-approval.

It may sound like just another formality, but trust me, this step can make a huge difference in your home-buying journey. Let’s break it down:

Why Pre-Approval is a Game-Changer:

First things first - why should you care about mortgage pre-approval? It comes down to 3 simple reasons:

It helps you understand exactly how much you can afford, so you can set a realistic budget from the get-go.
It also puts you ahead of the game. When you’re pre-approved, sellers know you’re serious and financially ready, which can be a big advantage, especially in a competitive market.
It speeds up the entire process. No more guessing about your loan amount. Your lender has already reviewed your finances, so once you find the perfect home, you’re almost ready to go. It takes the stress out of the equation and helps you focus on finding your dream home.

What You’ll Need for Pre-Approval:

Here’s the good news - getting pre-approved isn’t as complicated as it may seem. You’ll just need a few documents to get started:

Proof of Income: This could be recent pay stubs or your tax returns to show how much you’re earning.
Employment History: Lenders want to see that you have a stable job—usually, they’ll want to know about your employment over the past two years.
Credit Score: Your credit report is a key factor in determining how much you can borrow and your interest rate.
Down Payment Info: Lenders will want to see that you have the funds for your down payment, whether it’s sitting in your savings or coming from another source.
Assets & Debts: Your lender will ask about other financial obligations, like car loans or credit card balances.

Having these documents on hand will make the pre-approval process quick and painless.

Ready to get Started?

Getting pre-approved doesn’t have to be a headache. If you’re ready to jump in, reach out! I’ll guide you through the process, answer all your questions, and help you get the best mortgage for your situation.