How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage (And Why It's Your First Move)

I can't tell you how many times someone has come to me after losing a home they loved because they didn't have a pre-approval letter ready. The sellers went with another offer—not because it was higher, but because that buyer could prove they were already approved to close.

Getting pre-approved is the single most important thing you can do before you start shopping for a home. It tells you exactly what you can afford, it shows sellers you're the real deal, and it gives you the confidence to move quickly when you find the right place.

Key Takeaways

• Getting pre-approved doesn't commit you to a lender or a loan. It puts you in position to act.
• Pre-approval is different from pre-qualification. Pre-qualification is a rough estimate. Pre-approval involves actual verification and carries real weight.
• You'll need pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements, and a valid ID. Your lender will also pull your credit.
• It typically takes 1 to 3 days to get pre-approved if your documents are organized, and the letter lasts 60 to 90 days.

Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification

Pre-qualification is a quick, informal estimate—usually without full documentation. Pre-approval is the real thing: a lender verifies your income, reviews your bank statements, pulls your credit, and issues a letter stating the loan amount you qualify for. Sellers and their agents know the difference.

What You'll Need

• Income: W-2s, pay stubs, tax returns (two years if self-employed)
• Assets: Bank and investment statements (last two months)
• ID and authorization for employment verification

Ready to Get Started?

If you've been thinking about buying a home in the Pacific Northwest, getting pre-approved is the first real step. It doesn't cost anything, and it doesn't lock you into a lender.

Take the Mortgage Quiz to see where you stand, or book a call to talk through your specific situation.

By Dawn Robbins Group | NMLS# 432345

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Every buyer's situation is unique. Contact Dawn Robbins Group for personalized guidance.

[Book a consultation →](https://calendly.com/dawn-robbins/30min)