Mortgage pre-approval shows you how much home you can buy — before you start looking. Learn how it works, what you need, and how to get pre-approved in 24 hours.
You want to buy a home. You start scrolling listings. You find one you love.
Then you hear: "Do you have a pre-approval letter?"
And you freeze.
If that sounds familiar, keep reading. By the end of this post, you will know exactly what mortgage pre-approval is, why it matters, and how to get yours — often in less than 24 hours.
Mortgage pre-approval is when a lender reviews your real finances and tells you how much you can borrow. Not a guess. Not an estimate. A verified number based on your income, debts, credit score, and savings.
You get a letter that says: "This buyer is approved for up to this amount."
That letter does two things:
Think of pre-approval as your green light. Without it, you are guessing. With it, you shop with confidence.
These two terms sound alike. They are not the same.
| Pre-Qualification | Pre-Approval | |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | You share basic info about your finances | A lender verifies your documents, income, and credit |
| How long it takes | A few minutes | Usually 24 hours |
| What you get | A rough estimate | A verified letter with a specific amount |
| How sellers see it | Weak — it is just a guess | Strong — it is backed by real data |
Bottom line: Pre-qualification is an opinion. Pre-approval is proof. When you make an offer on a home, sellers want proof.
Most realtors will not show homes until you are pre-approved. Here is why:
At START Mortgage, we do not issue pre-approvals we cannot close. When a realtor sees our letter, they know it is solid. Your offer stands out from the crowd. Subject to credit approval.
The process is simpler than most people think. Here is what to gather:
That is it. No mystery. No tricks. Just numbers.
Four steps. We explain every part so you know what is happening and why.
Questions in Spanish? I have you covered. We offer full bilingual service in English and Spanish.
Pre-approval involves a hard credit check. It may lower your score by a few points. But if you are shopping across lenders in a short window (usually 14 to 45 days), multiple checks often count as one inquiry.
Most pre-approval letters are valid for 60 to 90 days. If yours expires before you find a home, we can refresh it quickly.
No. Pre-approval means you are likely to be approved based on the info you provided. Final approval happens after you find a home and the lender completes full underwriting. This is not a commitment to lend. Subject to credit approval.
It depends on the loan program. FHA loans allow credit scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down. We review your full picture — not just one number — during your planning session. See FHA loan details
Getting pre-approved is one of the smartest first moves you can make as a first-time homebuyer. It gives you clarity, confidence, and a real edge when you find the right home.
We will walk you through everything, answer your questions, and help you take the next step. No pressure. No jargon. Just a clear conversation about your options.
Jexayra has spent 9 years guiding families through the mortgage process. She has helped over 50 families reach homeownership with an average close time of 21 days. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she believes every borrower deserves clarity, care, and excellence — siempre.
Learn more about Jexayra