Pre-approval questions
What is a mortgage pre-approval?
A pre-approval is a conditional commitment from a lender to grant you a mortgage up to a set amount. It tells you what you can comfortably afford before you start looking at listings. Equally important, a pre-approval holds a rate with the lender, which can be a real advantage when rates are rising.
How long does a mortgage pre-approval last?
Most pre-approvals hold for 90 to 120 days, depending on the lender. If it expires before you buy, it can usually be refreshed with updated documents.
Does a pre-approval guarantee I will get the mortgage?
No. It is conditional — the lender still has to approve the specific property and confirm your income, down payment and credit have not changed.
Will getting pre-approved hurt my credit score?
A pre-approval involves a credit check, which can cause a small temporary dip. Working through one broker means one pull rather than a separate check at every lender.
What do I need to get pre-approved?
Generally proof of income, confirmation of your down payment and where it came from, and permission to check your credit.