Mortgage
Pre-Approval
Get a clear picture of your budget—and a big head start on your dream home.
At Choice Mortgage Group, we believe homeownership starts with confidence. A mortgage pre-approval not only helps you understand how much home you can afford, but it also shows sellers you’re serious. And with our simplified process and white glove service, you’ll feel supported every step of the way.
What is a mortgage pre-approval?
Mortgage pre-approval is a detailed look at your finances by a lender to determine how much you can borrow. We’ll review key details like:
- Credit score
- Income and employment history
- Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio
- Assets
This gives you an accurate loan estimate and a preapproval letter you can share with your agent or seller—often a major advantage in today’s competitive market.
Preapproval isn’t a final commitment—it’s a smart first step to prepare for a mortgage.
Pre-approval vs. pre-qualification:
Know the difference
Many lenders use these terms interchangeably, but they’re not the same:
Pre-qualification
- No credit check
- Quick estimate based on self-reported information
- Good for early planning
VS
Pre-approval
- Full review of your financial documents
- Credit check required
- Preferred by sellers and agents
- Needed when you're ready to make an offer
When should I get preapproved?
Get preapproved when you’re ready to start shopping and making offers. A typical pre-approval is good for 60–90 days. If it expires, don’t worry—you can reapply.
Real estate agents are more likely to work with buyers who are preapproved. Sellers will take your offer more seriously. And you’ll feel more in control.
Benefits of getting preapproved
with Choice Mortgage Group
- Shop for homes with a realistic budget
- Strengthen your offer with sellers
- Speed up the mortgage process
- Compare rates and loan options confidently
- Avoid surprises later by uncovering issues early
What if your pre-approval amount is lower than expected?
We’re here to help—not just approve loans, but build paths. If your number comes back lower than you’d hoped:
- We’ll help you review your credit
- Explore debt-reduction strategies
- Offer tailored advice to strengthen your application
We’re homeowners too, and we understand how personal this journey is.
How to get preapproved
Getting started is easy with Choice Mortgage Group. You’ll just need:
- Two most recent pay stubs
- Two months of bank statements
- Two years of tax returns and W-2s
- Photo ID
- Social Security number
We’ll guide you through every document, every question—and we’re always just a call or text away.
To minimize credit score impact, try to submit all pre-approval applications within a 30-day window.
Pre-Approval FAQs
How long does a mortgage pre-approval last
Usually 60–90 days. After that, you’ll need to update your information to renew it.
Does pre-approval affect my credit
Yes, pre-approval involves a hard inquiry, which may lower your score by a few points. Grouping multiple inquiries within a 30-day window helps limit impact.
Is pre-approval a guarantee
Not quite. Final approval comes after full underwriting, but pre-approval gives you a strong foundation and a competitive edge.
Is pre-approval worth it?
Absolutely. It gives you clarity, makes you a more confident buyer, and positions you ahead of the pack when it’s time to make an offer.
Let’s Make Home Happen
At Choice Mortgage Group, we’re committed to delivering outstanding service that exceeds expectations—because we’re not just loan officers. We’re people who understand the dream of home.