Getting Pre-Qualified for Your Mortgage

by Bonnie Rotundo 06/28/2019

Potential home buyers should obtain a pre-qualification letter from their lenders to access a home loan. This letter communicates what the lender thinks about you being qualified for a mortgage up to a certain amount and is dependent on the data you gave about your assets, income, and expenses.

Pre-qualification is just the primary step, and it provides you with an idea of how much of a loan you will potentially qualify for. This process relies on consumer-submitted information.

Getting Pre-Qualified

Pre-qualification entails providing the lender with your overall financial picture, including your credit, debt, income, and assets. The lender evaluates everything and gives you an estimate of the amount you are expected to be able to borrow.

Pre-qualification can be conducted over the phone or via online, and there is no cost attached. It is usually a quick process, taking from one to three days to obtain a pre-qualification letter. Remember that loan pre-qualification does not include a review of your credit report or a detailed look at your ability to buy a home. Instead, it is only dependent on the data you provided to the lender. By extension, it doesn't mean much at all if you provide inaccurate information. 

The first step in the pre-qualification process allows you to talk with your lender about any needs or goals you might have regarding your mortgage. Then, your mortgage lender can tell your various mortgage options and discuss the type that might be the most suited for your needs.

Some brokers go the extra mile of requesting home buyers to have pre-qualification before working with them. The letter would signify that a lender has already started talking with the buyer. A properly-written pre-qualification letter clarifies that you are using a quality, legitimate lender who can be reached for verification and confirmation.

According to many real estate agents, in a highly competitive market, a pre-qualification letter might not be enough. This is a significant drawback in using and relying only on a pre-qualification letter for proof of ability to purchase a home. If you need to buy immediately or don't want to miss out on a great deal in a trending area, you may need to be pre-approved as well. Pre-approval is a more complicated process and can impact your credit score, so speak with your agent about which is the better option for your situation.

About the Author
Author

Bonnie Rotundo

Hi, I'm Bonnie Rotundo and I'd love to assist you! I began my real estate career in 2000! I specialize in residential real estate, with an emphasis on re-sale golf plantation and resort properties primarily in the South Brunswick Islands area of Brunswick County. I dedicate myself to excellence in client service and honest, ethical representation. I strive to build long-term relationships--I want to be your agent for life! Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my many years of real estate experience to work for you. Allow me to Address all your real estate needs!