06/17/2026
# # # π‘ PRE-QUALIFIED vs. PRE-APPROVED: What's the Difference?
A lot of people think these are the same thing... they're not!
Think of it like this:
π¬ **Pre-Qualified** = "We're talking."
π **Pre-Approved** = "We're picking out the wedding venue."
# # # β
Pre-Qualified
* Based on the information **you tell the lender**
* No financial documents are verified
* Gives you a rough estimate of what you *may* qualify for
* Great if you're just starting to explore buying a home
# # # β
Pre-Approved
* Your income, assets, and credit have been verified by a lender
* Gives you a solid price range you can confidently shop within
* Makes your offer much stronger when competing with other buyers
* Shows sellers you're serious
π¨ **One important thing many buyers don't know...**
**Pre-approvals typically expire after about 90 days.**
That means if you're just browsing and not planning to buy anytime soon, you may end up doing all the paperwork again.
So don't get pre-approved "just because."
**Get pre-approved when you're actually ready to start house hunting.**
Unless you secretly enjoy gathering pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns every three months... π
Thinking about buying but not sure where to start? I'd be happy to help you create a game plan.
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**Evan Reiter**
**The Romano Team at Howard Hanna**
π (315) 233-9261
π± (516) 672-4848
π§ [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
π 5110 W. Genesee Street, Suite 3, Camillus, NY 13031
π theromanoteamathowardhanna.howardhanna.com
π Facebook: facebook.com/evanreiter91
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