Service · Pre-approval
Mortgage pre-approval — know your budget, lock your rate
Shop with confidence and make strong offers. A free pre-approval confirms how much you can borrow and holds a rate for you while you look.
Quick answer: A mortgage pre-approval confirms how much you can borrow and locks in a rate for up to 120 days, so you can house-hunt within budget and make competitive offers. It’s free, it doesn’t obligate you, and it makes you a stronger buyer in the seller’s eyes.
Why get pre-approved
- Know your true budget — a lender-backed number, not a guess.
- Lock a rate for up to 120 days against rate increases.
- Offer with confidence — sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously.
Pre-qualification vs. pre-approval
A quick pre-qualification is a rough estimate. A true pre-approval reviews your documents, so the number is reliable and the rate is held. I do the real thing.
Rate hold
Up to 120 days
Up to 120 days
Cost
Free, no obligation
Free, no obligation
Good for
Confident house hunting
Confident house hunting
Next step
One quick conversation
One quick conversation
AI-enabled FAQ
Pre-approval — your questions, answered
Real answers to the questions clients actually ask. Search or tap any question.
What is a mortgage pre-approval?
It’s a lender’s confirmation of how much you can borrow and at what rate, based on a review of your income, credit, and down payment. It holds a rate while you shop.
How long does a pre-approval last?
Typically up to 120 days. If rates rise during that window, your held rate protects you; if they fall, you can usually still get the lower rate.
Does a pre-approval guarantee my mortgage?
It’s a strong indication, not a final guarantee — the property still has to qualify and details must hold. It’s the closest thing to certainty before you find a home.
Will a pre-approval affect my credit score?
There’s one credit check, which has a small, temporary effect. It’s well worth it for the budget clarity and rate hold.
What documents do I need to get pre-approved?
Usually ID, proof of income, down payment confirmation, and details of any debts. I’ll send a simple checklist.
Can I get pre-approved if I’m self-employed?
Yes — see self-employed mortgages. We use programs suited to business owners and provable cash flow.
How much can I afford?
Pre-approval gives you an exact, lender-backed figure based on your income, debts, and rates — far better than an online estimate.
Does it cost anything?
No. Pre-approval is free and doesn’t obligate you to proceed with any lender.
Related services
Ready to shop with confidence?
Get pre-approved for free and lock your rate before you start looking.
Know your budget before you shop
Get pre-approved in one quick conversation.
Request a call backGo deeper — the answer library
Before you apply anywhere, it’s worth knowing what the thresholds actually are — and why applying in several places at once does real damage.