pre approvalWhen it comes to securing a home loan in Michigan or Metropolitan Detroit, it’s essential to know the difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification. Each serves a distinct purpose in the home buying process, and understanding their nuances can help you make informed decisions.

Pre-Qualification – The Initial Step

At the outset, pre-qualification provides a non-committal assessment of your financial standing, including debt-to-income and assets. It gives you an estimate of the potential house price you could afford, making it suitable for those beginning their home search. However, pre-qualification does not involve a credit report review and holds less weight than pre-approval. Keep in mind that the estimated amount is not guaranteed, and it is recommended for buyers who won’t be making serious offers for at least 4 months or longer.

Pre-Approval – A Stronger Position

On the other hand, pre-approval is a more thorough process that carries significant weight in the eyes of lenders. To obtain pre-approval, you need to complete an official mortgage application, which may include an application fee for some lenders, never with Ross Mortgage. You’ll also provide a list of documents needed to support your income, assets, and identity. Your documents will be submitted to one of our underwriters for review.

Unlike pre-qualification, pre-approval offers an exact loan amount, saving you time by focusing on homes within your borrowing capacity. Moreover, one of the most significant advantages of pre-approval is its ability to give you an edge over other offers when making serious offers. With a fully underwritten pre-approval letter in hand, you demonstrate to potential sellers that you are already approved for a loan in the amount they are selling for, making your offer more enticing.

Why Should You Get Pre-Approved?

While pre-approval involves additional steps, it can significantly impact your chances of securing your dream home. With a fully underwritten pre-approval, you gain the advantage of a definite loan amount, a shorter time frame to close because your credit, income, and assets have already been approved, showing sellers that your offer is serious and you are ready to close ASAP. In a competitive real estate market, this can make all the difference between securing your dream home or losing it to another buyer.

How to Get Pre-Approved?

To begin the pre-approval process, start by consulting a reputable mortgage lender in Michigan or Metropolitan Detroit. You can seek recommendations from your realtor, family, friends, or maybe you have an existing relationship with a mortgage lender Once you’ve chosen a lender, come prepared with essential documents, including tax returns, W2s, bank statements, employer information, and current housing details.

The lender will then generate an estimated loan amount and present various loan options to you. Remember, while getting approved for a high amount is advantageous, it’s crucial to choose a price range that aligns with your financial situation comfortably, i.e., a payment that you are comfortable with.

I am dedicated to helping you through the pre-approval process. If you’re looking to get pre-approved for your dream home in Michigan or Metropolitan Detroit, reach out to us today! Leave a comment or click here to find the most convenient way to contact us!