Start stronger than a casual estimate
A prequalification can be useful for an early conversation, but it may rely heavily on information a borrower reports and may not include a full review of credit, income, assets, debts or supporting documents. A documented preapproval is a stronger home-shopping tool because substantially more of the file has been reviewed before a property is selected. It is still conditional—not a final loan approval—but it can help establish a realistic range, uncover documentation issues earlier and support a more credible offer when competition is strong.


