The Difference Between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval

Today, we’ll talk about the difference between getting pre-qualified and pre-approved for a mortgage. There’s a clear difference.

For pre-qualification, a buyer contacts a lender with financial information and the lender bases their decision off these numbers. This model relies heavily on information provided by the buyer directly. No pay stubs, W-2s, credit score report, or similar paperwork are involved for the lender to make this decision. While the buyer may still be honest with the lender, it’s not official.

For pre-approval, documentation is required to make a decision. This is what you really want. A buyer created a relationship with a lender by giving them required paperwork. There’s documentation attached to the information they provide. The lender has the opportunity to discuss a buyer’s work history and any debt to understand the loan. The lender then determines whether or not a buyer could afford a certain mortgage.

There’s a vast difference between the two processes! You’ll want a pre-approval letter over a pre-qualification as a buyer, however, both are helpful. If you’re not submitting paperwork, you are not pre-approved, but instead, only pre-qualified.

If you have any questions about this topic, or if you need mortgage assistance of any kind, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! 770-824-9777