09/01/2026
Kevin Burkhardt RE/MAX Advantage Realty You full service real estate professional.
Three tips to secure your pre-approval and keep you there until closing.
1. Know the levels of approval:
Pre-qualification: The simple approval.
It's meant to help you decide if you'd like to move forward with your home loan application. After discussing your finances with your lender, they will give you some loan options, and estimate your down payment and monthly payments.
Pre-approval: The solid approval
Your actual documentation is sent to processing, which allows your lender to provide you with a max loan amount. With this, you can confidently start shopping for your home!
Once pre-approved, you're able to get started on a contract for your new home! Your lender will take it from there.
2. Collect the proper documentation
Documents needed*
- Paystubs for the last 30 days
- W-2s and 1099s for the last 2 years
- Federal income tax returns for the last 2 years, including all schedules and attachments
- Government issued photo ID and if applicable, resident alien card
- Bank statements from the last 60 days
The items listed above will not inhibit you from starting the loan process.
3. Stay consistent to stay pre-approved
While shopping for your perfect home
- Continue to make all payments on time.
- Don't open new loans, increase credit lines or all.
Kevin Burkhardt RE/MAX Advantage Realty 302-378-8700 (Office) 302-729-6885 (Direct) 1ststaterealtor.com
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