From Browsing to Buying: When to Get Prequalified or Preapproved

If the idea of buying a home is a blip anywhere on your radar in 2026, you need to know about the prequalification and preapproval process. I’ve got you covered with this Q&A that will give you confidence no matter how far out your home purchase is. 

Q: What exactly is a prequalification? 
A: A prequalification is a preliminary review of your finances and home purchase budget. It gives you a rough estimate of how much you can afford to spend on a home, and how much financing you could reasonably expect to qualify for. You’ll learn rate types and terms and start considering what will work best for you. 

Q: So then what’s a preapproval? 
A: A preapproval is a more detailed look at your finances, including substantiating paperwork and other documents. It requires a credit check, your personal information, and detailed financials. Realtors and sellers take this as serious interest in the property. 

Q: Does a preapproval guarantee your mortgage financing? 
A: No. Because a preapproval is not specific to a property, it’s not a guarantee you can get financing for just any property. The property has to be approved, may need an appraisal, and the final purchase price must meet income ratio guidelines. You’ll apply for a full approval once you’ve selected and made an offer on a home. 

Q: At what point should I get a prequalification?
A: BEFORE you start house shopping. When you first start thinking you might have enough for a downpayment, and you want to get a rough idea of what you could afford. 

Q: At what point should I get a preapproval? 
A: When you’re ready to start seriously house shopping. You’ve got a neighbourhood and some requirements in mind. You’d like to start going to open houses, and ideally make a purchase within the next 1-4 months. You’ll have a more confident and comfortable buying experience if you have one before you make an offer on a home. Just a note here that the property you put an offer in on will still need to be approved by your lender before a mortgage is guaranteed approval. 

Q: Where do I get a prequalification or a preapproval? 
A: There are two sources for these. The first source is a mortgage broker (like me!), who will review your numbers and shop around to a variety of appropriate lenders on your behalf. I won’t lend you the money directly, but I’ll be the bridge between you and a lender. The second source is directly from a lender (like a bank, credit union, or private lender), which you have to search out and request yourself from each individual lender. With a broker, you’ll have more options and do less work, often for no fee.

Q: How long does it take to get a prequalification or a preapproval?
A: A prequalification can be done pretty quickly and easily, usually in under half an hour. A preapproval means you’re confirming documents and validating finances, so this takes longer. Sometimes as little as an hour, but sometimes a couple days. 

Q: Do I automatically get a rate hold?
A: First, a rate hold is exactly what it sounds like – the lender will hold a specific rate for you. This protects against any rises, but if rates fall, that’s still good news as the lender will provide you the new lower rate. Back to the question – where the answer is both no and yes. A prequalification doesn’t include a rate. A preapproval on the other hand does include a rate hold, valid up to 120 days. Be sure to confirm how long the rate is on hold for as that can vary from lender to lender. 

Q: What do I need to get a preapproval? 
A: You’ll need to bring a list of your assets (including proof of your down payment), income confirmation documents (like a pay stub), and a detailed account of all your debts (including what the debt is, the outstanding amount, and the payments on it). You’ll also have to provide identification. 

Q: How long do my prequalification and preapprovals last? 
A: The prequalification is just an estimate, so as long as your finances and employment don’t change, you will still have the same prequalification. Your preapproval on the other hand is based on confirmed documents and usually lasts 90-120 days. Sometimes it’s as little as 60, and in some cases, it can be extended – depending on the lender and your application. Talk to me to confirm the terms for yours. 

If you still have questions about a prequalification or preapproval, I’m here for you! Give me a call or send me an email any time.