Pre-qualification vs. Pre-Approval
{buyer1}, do you know the difference?
A pre-qualification is an automated estimate of what the bank might be willing to lend based on the information you provide about your finances and a credit check. However, the validity of the documentation has not been verified nor reveiewed for compliance with the underwriting criteria.
A pre-approval is a conditional offer from a lender to borrow a specific amount of money to buy a home. It is based on verification of financial documentation including: income, assets, debts, and credit history.
When a buyer steps into the housing market with a pre-underwritten pre-approval from a local lender it not only makes you a better-informed shopper, BUT also a more attractive buyer to potential sellers.