{"id":1555,"date":"2024-02-08T22:30:25","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T22:30:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tomo.com\/blog\/?p=1555"},"modified":"2026-03-11T17:00:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T22:00:52","slug":"tomos-guide-to-home-buying-part-2-understanding-mortgage-pre-approval","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tomo.com\/blog\/tomos-guide-to-home-buying-part-2-understanding-mortgage-pre-approval\/","title":{"rendered":"Tomo\u2019s Guide to Home Buying Part 2: Understanding Mortgage Pre-Approval"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>February 8, 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get Pre-Approved for a Home Loan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#mortgage-pre-approval\" title=\"\">What is mortgage pre-approval<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#three-main-types-mortgage-pre-approval\" title=\"\">Three main types of mortgage pre-approval<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#documents-needed-pre-approval\" title=\"\">What documents are needed for pre-approval<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#pre-approved-will-you-get-loan\" title=\"\">If you\u2019re pre-approved, will you get the loan?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#mortgage-pre-approvals-key-takeaways\" title=\"\">Mortgage pre-approvals\u2014key takeaways<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve begun navigating the exciting but often daunting path to homeownership, you\u2019re probably wondering how to secure mortgage pre-approval. In Part 2 of Tomo\u2019s Guide to Home Buying, we&#8217;ll walk you through the critical role of pre-approval in the home-buying process, delineating the various types available, to help you get pre-approved quickly and easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Fast track to Tomo\u2019s Pre-Approval process <a href=\"https:\/\/hellotomo.com\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mortgage-pre-approval\">What is Mortgage Pre-Approval?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a crucial step in the home buying process because it signifies that a lender has preliminarily assessed and endorsed your financial ability to borrow up to a certain amount, subject to final verification and property appraisal. Pre-approval provides agents with proof that you can afford the homes you&#8217;re interested in, making your home search more efficient and focused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tomo Tip<\/strong>: A <a href=\"https:\/\/tomo.com\/mortgage\/benefits-and-features#underwritten-preapproval\" title=\"\">Tomo underwritten pre-approval<\/a> gives everyone confidence in what you can afford. It\u2019s not just a loan officer\u2019s opinion of your eligibility; it\u2019s the underwriting team\u2019s signoff on your application. We make the process a snap by syncing accounts to instantly verify your information, letting us pre-approval you in a fraction of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"three-main-types-mortgage-pre-approval\">Three Main Types of Mortgage Pre-Approvals<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pre-Qualification: The Quick First Glance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pre-qualifying for a mortgage is a fast process, usually taking 15-60 minutes. It&#8217;s based on self-reported information, so while it&#8217;s a quick way to gauge where you stand, it may not be the most accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Speed: 15-60 minutes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type of Credit Pull: None (borrower-reported)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Verified Pre-approval: Accuracy Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Verified pre-approvals take a little longer, ranging from 1-3 hours. This type of pre-approval involves a soft credit pull, which won\u2019t affect your credit score. Lenders verify the information you provide, offering increased accuracy and a better understanding of your buying power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Speed: 1-3 hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type of Credit Pull: Soft (this won\u2019t affect your credit score)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Underwritten Pre-Approval: The Gold Standard<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Underwritten pre-approvals are the most comprehensive. They\u2019re essentially a complete mortgage application but aren\u2019t tied to a specific home. The time taken varies based on your financial situation, but with Tomo\u2019s streamlined process, it\u2019s now quicker than ever. This approach offers an in-depth view of your finances and the amount of mortgage you can be approved for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Speed: Varies based on financial complexity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type of Credit Pull: Hard (affects your credit score, but minimally)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"documents-needed-pre-approval\">What Documents are Needed for Pre-Approval?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Securing a mortgage pre-approval requires a collection of important financial documents, providing lenders with a comprehensive snapshot of your economic standing. These typically include recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, proof of assets and debts, and your credit report, ensuring a thorough evaluation of your capacity to afford a home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tomo Tip<\/strong>: If you are reading this then you should already have started to gather your financial documents. If not, start gathering, and to stay organized kept everything in one financial binder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background: #ddf5f4; padding: 24px 28px; margin: 32px 0; border-radius: 8px;\">\n  \n  <p style=\"font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif; font-weight: 600; font-size: 22px; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 0 0 12px 0; line-height: 1.3; text-align: left;\">\n    See What You Can Save\n  <\/p>\n  \n  <p style=\"font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 16px; color: #2d2d2d; margin: 0 0 20px 0; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;\">\n    Tomo Mortgage rates average <strong>-0.3%<\/strong> below market median with <strong>$0<\/strong> lender fees.\n  <\/p>\n  \n  <a href=\"https:\/\/tomo.com\/mortgage\/app\/preapproval\" style=\"font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif; font-weight: 600; display: inline-block; background: #fb7564; color: #ffffff; font-size: 16px; padding: 14px 28px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none; text-align: left;\">\n    Get Started \u2192\n  <\/a>\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pre-approved-will-you-get-loan\">If You&#8217;re Pre-Approved, Will You Get the Loan?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A mortgage pre-approval is a significant indicator of your creditworthiness but does not guarantee final loan approval. The final decision hinges on a detailed underwriting process and a satisfactory appraisal of the property, aligning with the lender&#8217;s criteria and your continued financial stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:26px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mortgage-pre-approvals-key-takeaways\">Mortgage Pre-Approval \u2014 Key Takeaways<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mortgage pre-approval is essential for serious home buyers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose from pre-qualification, verified pre-approval, or underwritten pre-approval.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The more detailed the process, the more accurate your pre-approval.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A pre-qualify mortgage is a great starting point, but consider verified or underwritten for greater accuracy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding how to get pre-approved for a mortgage is key to kickstarting a successful home buying journey. Whether you start with a quick pre-qualification or go straight for an underwritten pre-approval, each step will bring you closer to your dream home! And remember, Tomo \u2014 the world\u2019s first complete home buying service \u2014&nbsp; is here to guide you every step of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Get pre-approved in a matter of minutes with <a href=\"https:\/\/tomo.com\/mortgage\/benefits-and-features#underwritten-preapproval\" title=\"\">Tomo&#8217;s underwritten pre-approval <\/a>process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:26px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What&#8217;s Next?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part 3: <a href=\"https:\/\/tomo.com\/blog\/tomos-guide-to-home-buying-part-3-things-to-look-for-when-buying-a-house\/\" title=\"\">Things to Look for When Buying a House <\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tomo\u2019s house hunting checklist<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to find a house. Needs vs. wants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assessing the market: setting realistic expectations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Partnering with the right real estate agent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What to look for when touring a house<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background: #ddf5f4; padding: 24px 28px; margin: 32px 0; border-radius: 8px;\">\n  \n  <p style=\"font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif; font-weight: 600; font-size: 22px; color: #1a1a1a; margin: 0 0 12px 0; line-height: 1.3; text-align: left;\">\n    Ready to experience a different kind of lender?\n  <\/p>\n  \n  <p style=\"font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 16px; color: #2d2d2d; margin: 0 0 20px 0; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;\">\n    Tomo was built without lender fees, which means our team&#8217;s success is measured by your closing. If you value transparent pricing and a stremlined digital experience, Tomo Mortgage was built for you.\n  <\/p>\n  \n  <a href=\"https:\/\/tomo.com\/mortgage\/app\/preapproval\" style=\"font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif; font-weight: 600; display: inline-block; background: #fb7564; color: #ffffff; font-size: 16px; padding: 14px 28px; border-radius: 6px; text-decoration: none; text-align: left;\">\n    Get Started \u2192\n  <\/a>\n  \n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019ve begun navigating the exciting but often daunting path to homeownership&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":1634,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[288],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1555","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-buying-process"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/tomo.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/what-is-a-mortgage-pre-approval-1-jpg.webp","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tomo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1555","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tomo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tomo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tomo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tomo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1555"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/tomo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1555\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7933,"href":"https:\/\/tomo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1555\/revisions\/7933"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tomo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1634"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tomo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1555"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tomo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1555"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tomo.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1555"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}