Why Pre-Approval Is Your Homebuying Game Changer

Why Pre-Approval Is Your Homebuying Game Changer

While home price growth is moderating and mortgage rates have recently come down, affordability is still tight. At the same time, there’s a limited number of homes for sale right now, which means ongoing competition among hopeful buyers. But, if you’re strategic, there are ways to navigate these waters – and pre-approval is the game changer.

What Pre-Approval Does for You
You need to know more about pre-approval to understand why it’s important. As part of the homebuying process, a lender looks at your finances to determine what they’re willing to loan you. From there, your lender will give you a pre-approval letter to help you understand how much money you can borrow. Freddie Mac explains it like this:

“A pre-approval is an indication from your lender that they are willing to lend you a certain amount of money to buy your future home. . . . Remember that the loan amount in the pre-approval letter is the lender’s maximum offer. Ultimately, you should only borrow an amount you are comfortable repaying.”
Getting pre-approved puts you in the mindset of seeing the bigger financial picture, one step at a time. And the key is actually more than just getting a pre-approval letter from your lender. Combining pre-approval and strategic budgeting is your golden ticket to understanding what you can afford. It saves you from painful heartaches down the road so you don’t fall in love with a house that might be out of reach.

Pre-Approval Helps Show Sellers You’re a Serious Buyer
But that’s just the beginning. Let’s face it: more people are looking to buy than there are homes available for sale, and that creates competition among homebuyers. That means you could see yourself in a multiple-offer scenario when you get ready to make your move. However, getting pre-approved for a mortgage can help you stand out from other buyers.

In today’s fast-moving housing market, having that pre-approval in your back pocket can be your secret weapon. When sellers see you’re pre-approved, it tells them you’re a strategic and serious buyer. In a world of multiple offers, that’s a big deal. As an article from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) says:

“If you plan to use a mortgage for your home purchase, pre-approval should be among the first steps in your search process. Not only can getting pre-approved help you zero in on the right price range, but it can give you a leg up on other buyers, too.”
Pre-approval shows sellers you’re more than just a window shopper. You’re a buyer who’s already undergone a credit and financial check, making the sale more likely to move forward without unexpected delays or issues. Sellers love that because they see your offer as a reliable one. A win-win, right?

Bottom Line
So, before you start mentally arranging furniture in your dream home, work with a trusted lender to get your pre-approval set. It’ll save you time, stress, and a lot of headaches that could come up along the way without it. The reality is the more prepared you are, the more likely you are to land the home you’re longing for.