Mortgage pre-approval is a process in which a lender evaluates a borrower’s creditworthiness and financial situation to determine the maximum amount they are eligible to borrow for a home purchase. Pre-approval provides homebuyers with an estimated loan amount and interest rate before they start house hunting, allowing them to have a better understanding of their budget and negotiate with home sellers from a stronger position.

To obtain a mortgage pre-approval, a borrower typically needs to provide their personal and financial information to the lender, such as their income, employment status, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio. The lender will review the information and determine the maximum loan amount and interest rate that the borrower qualifies for.

Mortgage pre-approval is a valuable tool for homebuyers as it helps them to save time and money by allowing them to house hunt within their budget. It also gives them the confidence to negotiate with home sellers from a position of strength and potentially secure a better deal on their mortgage. Once pre-approved, homebuyers can shop for a home with a clear understanding of their financial situation and the type of property they can afford.