What's better Pre-approval or Pre-qualification when buying a home?

When it comes to getting a mortgage, it's important to understand the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved.

Pre-qualification is a preliminary step in the mortgage process where a lender assesses your financial situation and provides an estimate of how much you may be able to borrow.

Pre-approval, on the other hand, is a more in-depth process that involves a lender verifying your financial information and creditworthiness to determine exactly how much they are willing to lend you.

Pre-qualification can be a useful first step to help you determine a general price range for your home search, but it does not guarantee that you will be approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval, on the other hand, is a stronger indication to sellers that you are a serious buyer and can help you stand out in a competitive market. Keep in mind that pre-approval is not a guarantee of a mortgage either, as final approval will depend on a variety of factors including the property you want to purchase.

Overall, pre-qualification can give you a rough idea of what you can afford, while pre-approval is a more concrete step that shows you're serious about buying a home and have the financial means to do so. It's important to speak with a mortgage lender to determine which option is best for your specific financial situation and home buying goals.

Questions?  We have people in the mortgage industry who can give you answers.  Check out our Partners Page or reach out. We are happy to help.