Get Pre-Approvedin 24 Hours
Know exactly what you can afford before you start house hunting. Our streamlined pre-approval process gives you a verified commitment that sellers take seriously.
What is Mortgage Pre-Approval?
Mortgage pre-approval is a lender's conditional commitment to lend you a specific amount based on a thorough review of your financial situation. Unlike pre-qualification, which is just an estimate, pre-approval involves verification of your income, assets, and credit.
When you're pre-approved, you receive a letter stating the maximum loan amount you qualify for, the loan type, and estimated terms. This letter shows sellers that you're a serious, qualified buyer who can close the deal.
In California's competitive real estate market, pre-approval isn't just helpful—it's essential. Most sellers and listing agents won't even consider offers from buyers who aren't pre-approved.
Your Pre-Approval Letter Includes:
- Maximum approved loan amount
- Loan type (conventional, FHA, VA, etc.)
- Estimated interest rate range
- Down payment requirements
- Any conditions that must be met
- Validity period (typically 90 days)
Benefits of Pre-Approval
Pre-approval gives you significant advantages in California's competitive housing market.
Know Your Budget
Stop guessing what you can afford. Pre-approval tells you exactly how much home you can buy, so you can focus your search on properties within your price range.
Stronger Offers
In California's competitive market, sellers prefer buyers with pre-approval letters. It shows you're serious and financially qualified to close the deal.
Faster Closing
Much of the paperwork is done during pre-approval. When you find your home, you'll close faster because the heavy lifting is already complete.
Rate Lock Options
Lock in today's rates to protect against market fluctuations. We offer rate lock options during pre-approval to give you peace of mind.
Identify Issues Early
Discover and address any credit or documentation issues before you're under contract. This prevents surprises and delays during the home buying process.
Negotiating Power
Pre-approved buyers have leverage in negotiations. Sellers know you can close, which can help in multiple-offer situations or when negotiating price.
Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval
These terms are often confused, but there's a significant difference in what they mean for your home buying power.
Pre-Qualification
A quick estimate based on self-reported information
- Based on self-reported information
- No document verification
- Soft credit check or no credit check
- Quick estimate of borrowing power
- Not verified by underwriting
- Less credible to sellers
Pre-Approval
A verified commitment based on documented financials
- Based on verified documentation
- Income and assets verified
- Credit report reviewed
- Accurate loan amount determined
- Reviewed by underwriting
- Highly credible to sellers
How Pre-Approval Works
Our streamlined process gets you pre-approved quickly so you can start shopping with confidence.
Submit Your Application
Complete our secure online application with your basic information, employment details, and financial overview. You can also call us to complete the application over the phone.
Provide Documentation
Upload your income verification, bank statements, and identification documents through our secure portal. We'll tell you exactly what's needed based on your situation.
Credit Review
We pull your credit report with your authorization. This is a soft pull during initial consultation that won't affect your score, followed by a hard pull for official pre-approval.
Receive Pre-Approval
Once we verify your information, you'll receive your pre-approval letter specifying your approved loan amount. This letter is valid for 90 days and can be renewed.
Documents You'll Need
Having your documents ready speeds up the pre-approval process. Here's what we'll need to verify your financial situation.
Pro Tip
Gather your documents before starting the application. Having everything ready can help you get pre-approved in as little as 24 hours.
Identification
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security card
Income Verification
- Pay stubs (last 30 days)
- W-2 forms (past 2 years)
- Tax returns with all schedules (past 2 years)
- Self-employed: Business tax returns, P&L statements
Asset Documentation
- Bank statements (all accounts, past 2-3 months)
- Investment account statements
- Retirement account statements
- Gift letter (if applicable)
Additional Documents
- Rental history or current mortgage statement
- Divorce decree (if applicable)
- Bankruptcy discharge papers (if applicable)
Pre-Approval FAQs
Ready to Get Pre-Approved?
Start your pre-approval today and shop for your California home with confidence. Our team is ready to help you every step of the way.