Table of Content
- Do I have to use all the money I’m pre-approved to borrow?
- The Pre-Approval Process
- How to get pre-approved for a mortgage: The paperwork you need What does Pre-Approved Mean for a Mortgage?
They may also appraise your home, as the property value of the home you purchased could also affect your mortgage. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage before you make an offer on a house can help you stand out from the sea of other home buyers in a competitive housing market. Granted, it may seem like a whole lot of prep work, but here’s why mortgage pre-approval matters, and how it can give you an edge whenshopping for a home.
Youre probably aware that you can deduct the mortgage interest you paid for any given year from your taxes, providing you itemize your deductions. But you probably never had to worry about the cap the IRS places on this deductiona cap that was lowered by the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Anyone who got a mortgage on Dec. 14, 2017, or earlier can deduct interest on up to $1 million in debt, which is the amount of the old cap. But for home purchases made after Dec. 14, 2017, you can only deduct the interest on up to $750,000 in mortgage debt.
Do I have to use all the money I’m pre-approved to borrow?
Always speak to a financial advisor if you are unsure of your options. A pre-approval that includes a bank assessment is likely to provide you with a more concrete estimation of your borrowing power. Pre-approval, sometimes referred to as conditional approval or approval in principle, is an indication from your lender of how much you may be able to borrow. Rather, pre-approval can help you to narrow your search and eventually place an offer with confidence.

However, if you have a significant history of debt, foreclosures or a low credit score, the pre-approval process can take longer, from a few days to as long as several months for some individuals. Providing the lender with all the documents needed can help speed up the process, even with some issues in your credit history. Underwriting for a mortgage loan typically requires a borrower’s credit score and two qualifying ratios, debt-to-income, and a housing expense ratio.
The Pre-Approval Process
They are not meant to act as the final word of approval when applying for a mortgage. Meeting with a loan officer as the first step in the mortgage process. Getting a letter of pre-approval will ensure that a borrower can explore home options with confidence. It will also help homebuyers avoid costly and disappointing setbacks that could hinder a sale.

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How to get pre-approved for a mortgage: The paperwork you need
Getting pre-approved is the first step in your journey of buying a home. But even with a pre-approval, a mortgage can be denied if there are changes to your credit history or financial situation. Working with buyers, we know how heartbreaking it can be to find out your mortgage has been denied days before closing. This is because pre-approval for loans are recorded in your credit history, and can affect your credit report.
You can therefore plan for your finances, property budget and preferred location for the property. For instance, if you are pre-approved for an amount of Rs.50 lakhs you can plan for the house purchase approximately within 45 lakhs – 55 lakhs. Many things can change after you get pre-approved, such as your income, credit history, or even the interest rate. Because of this, your pre-approval normally lasts for 60 to 90 days. When the pre-approval expires, you’ll have to update your paper work to get a new one. Once a lender has pre-approved you for a mortgage, you’ll get a letter you can then take to sellers.
What happens 2 weeks before closing?
The credit application will require a borrower’s income and social security number. A mortgage preapproval is a letter from a lender indicating that you are tentatively approved for a loan. It typically includes a maximum loan amount, interest rate and any other relevant terms or information.

The cost of a pre approval home loan is typically lower than the cost of a conventional mortgage. Pre-approved when they’re ready to seriously shop and make offers. This is because pre-approval letters only last for an average of 45 days. After this period, a new pre-approval is typically required since your financial circumstances could change.
Debt obligations like student loans or car payments limit how much you’ll be able to afford for a mortgage loan. An ideal debt-to-income ratio can vary from lender to lender, but equal to or less than 35% is usually considered an acceptable threshold. Less than 20% is considered excellent, while DTIs greater than 45% are typically the maximum percentage for pre-approval. Before the exciting process of house hunting can get underway, mortgage pre-approval for prospective home buyers is often required.
You might find a property that seems perfect, but have no idea whether it's a realistic option for your budget. Home loan pre-approval is based on the ability to repay a loan for a specific amount based on your financial position, and it lasts for 3 months. A pre-approval is a valuable step in getting you closer to your new family home or investment property. It's not a requirement in the home buying process, but it can make life easier. Additional fees such as appraisal costs and homeowner’s insurance might not be factored in to the pre-approval’s estimate.
If you want a true competitive advantage, Churchill Mortgage’s Certified Homebuyer program is a great option. When you become a certified homebuyer, you have all the advantages of a pre-approval like credibility as a homebuyer, confidence in your search, and an accelerated closing process. You’ve squashed your student loans and kicked that car loan to the curb. Pre-approval, on the other hand, means the lender has already done its due diligence and is willing to loan you the money.

Doesn’t guarantee a loan, but rather lets you know if you’d qualify for a loan based on the information you provide at the time of application. Make sure you have all the necessary documents handy or the process may take longer. Along with your offer will also make your offer standout among the rest in a more competitive housing market. DTI calculator to get an idea of your current debt-to-income ratio.
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It is imperative to note that home loan pre-approval is not unconditional; meaning that the amount your lender pre-approves you for is subject to change. Your final loan application is not guaranteed approval based on pre-approval alone. You might assume that if a mortgage lender pre-approves you for a home loan, you're automatically guaranteed that mortgage once you're ready to sign it. Also helps you show real estate agents and sellers that you’re serious about buying. In a competitive market, offers with a pre-approval letter included can stand out among the competition. This includes your social security number , pay stubs, bank statements and W2s or tax returns.

Home loan pre-approval should be a free process conducted by either a mortgage broker or your lender. Once you meet with your desired intermediary and submit your pre-approval application, it may take several hours to a couple of weeks to formulate. This period will depend on the method your lender uses to complete the process. A home loan pre-approval serves as a non-committal ‘go-ahead’ from your lender and can provide a degree of clarity and confidence to your property search.
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