Top 5 Things to Know Before Getting Pre-Approved

By Larissa McKenzie | Motto Mortgage | NMLS 2749501

Getting pre-approved is the first real step toward buying a home—and being prepared makes the entire process smoother. Here are the top five things you should know before you start:

1. Your Credit Score Matters Lenders use your score to determine your loan options and your interest rate. A higher score can save you thousands over the life of your loan.

2. Know Your Budget Ahead of Time A pre-approval gives you a number, but you know what feels comfortable. Make sure your future monthly payment fits your lifestyle.

3. Gather Your Documents Early Be prepared with:• Recent pay stubs• W-2s or tax returns• Bank statements• Photo ID You’ll move much faster with your documents ready.

4. Avoid Major Purchases New credit cards, cars, or large charges can change your debt-to-income ratio and hurt your pre-approval.

5. You Don’t Need Perfect Credit There are loan options for many credit situations. A pre-approval helps us find the best fit.

Ready to get pre-approved? I’m here to walk you through every step.