Home Buying

Getting pre-approved for your first home

A pre-approval is a lender's review of your credit, income, and savings. It tells you what price range makes sense and shows sellers you're ready to buy.

Pre-qualified vs. pre-approved

Pre-qualified usually means a quick estimate based on what you tell us. Pre-approved means we've reviewed your credit and documents. Sellers take a pre-approval more seriously.

What you'll need

  • Photo ID
  • Recent pay stubs and W-2s (or tax returns if you're self-employed)
  • Two months of bank statements
  • Information on any gift funds from family

How long it takes

Often one to two days once we have your documents.

How long it lasts

Many pre-approvals are good for 60 to 120 days. We'll update yours if your search takes longer.

Frequently asked questions

Does a pre-approval guarantee my loan?
No. Final approval comes after we review the home and your complete application.
Will it affect my credit?
We'll explain before any credit check.

Ready to talk it through?

Tell us a little about your goals and we'll walk you through your options. No cost, no obligation.