Pre-Qualify and Pre-Approval: What’s the difference?
Published JuLY 6, 2023 | 8:30 Am
“Pre-approve” and “pre-qualify” are both terms commonly used in the context of loan applications, particularly for mortgages. While they sound similar, they have distinct meanings and implications:
Pre-Qualify
Pre-qualification is an initial step in the mortgage application process. It involves providing basic financial information to a lender, such as your income, assets, debts, and credit score. Based on this information, the lender can give you an estimate of the loan amount you may qualify for. Pre-qualification is typically a quick process and does not involve a detailed analysis or verification of your financial documents. It helps you get a general idea of your borrowing capacity and can guide your home search by providing a rough budget.
Pre-Approval
Pre-approval is a more formal and rigorous process than pre-qualification. It requires submitting detailed financial documentation to the lender, including pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, and employment history. The lender will then verify the information provided, assess your creditworthiness, and determine the specific loan amount you are approved for. Pre-approval carries more weight and provides a stronger indication of your ability to secure a loan. It demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious buyer and can afford the property in question.
In summary, pre-qualification is an initial assessment based on basic financial information, giving you a general idea of your borrowing capacity. Pre-approval, on the other hand, involves a thorough examination of your financial documents and provides a more accurate assessment of the loan amount you can secure.
Contact your AmCap loan originator to get pre-qualified today. If you are looking for a loan originator, contact us today so we can find your perfect match. Or click on the Get Started button.
