A new survey of home sellers found 86 percent of them preferred a buyer who's been pre-approved for a mortgage over one who's pre-qualified. That's the overwhelming majority and a clear indication that home shoppers should first get pre-approved for a loan before proceeding on their house hunt.
But what's the difference anyway? Well, pre-approval requires a more thorough check of your finances than pre-qualification does. That means, you'll be asked to provide some documentation confirming your income, assets, debts, etc. It also includes a credit check. In other words, it's a more detailed look at your financial situation and gives home sellers confidence that you'll be able to close on time and without issue.
That's why the overwhelming majority of those surveyed chose a pre-approved buyer over a pre-qualified one. The benefit for buyers is pro-approval gives them the ability to put in a firmer, faster offer when they find a home that fits their needs and lifestyle.
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