How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Fast

If you’re getting ready to buy a home, one of the smartest first steps you can take is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval shows sellers you’re serious, helps you understand your budget, and makes your offers stronger. But how long does it take? And how can you speed up the process without skipping essential steps?

In this guide, we’ll walk through what it means to get pre-approved — and how to do it fast, the right way.

What Is Mortgage Pre-Approval?

Mortgage pre-approval is a written statement from a lender that estimates how much they’re willing to lend you, based on your financial profile. It typically includes:

A maximum loan amount
Estimated interest rate and monthly payment
Loan type (e.g. FHA, Conventional)
A time window (usually 60–90 days)

It’s more formal than pre-qualification and often involves pulling your credit report, reviewing income documents, and verifying employment. It’s not a final loan approval, but it’s close — and shows sellers you’ve already cleared major hurdles.

Why Pre-Approval Matters

In competitive markets, homes can go under contract in days or even hours. Without pre-approval, your offer might not be taken seriously. With it, you can:

Shop with confidence, knowing your price range
Make stronger, faster offers
Avoid delays once you go under contract
Get ahead of issues that could hurt financing

The best part? Getting pre-approved is faster than most people think — if you’re prepared.

How to Get Pre-Approved Fast

1. Gather Your Documents Ahead of Time

Lenders need documentation to verify your income, assets, and identity. Collect these before applying:

Most recent 2 pay stubs (or proof of income)
Last 2 years of W-2s or tax returns
Last 2–3 months of bank statements
Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
List of debts and monthly payments
Proof of additional income (side jobs, child support, etc.)

If you’re self-employed, expect to provide additional documents such as full tax returns, 1099s, and a year-to-date profit and loss statement.

2. Check and Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score plays a major role in the loan you qualify for — and the interest rate. Many lenders have minimum credit score requirements (e.g., 620 for conventional loans, 580 for FHA), and a higher score can mean lower monthly payments.

Before applying, check your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com and fix any errors. Pay down credit cards, avoid new debt, and don’t close old accounts. Even small improvements can have a big impact.

3. Decide Where to Apply

You can get pre-approved from several sources:

Banks and credit unions
Online lenders
Mortgage brokers (who shop multiple lenders for you)
Direct mortgage companies

Some lenders can turn around a pre-approval in hours; others take days. If speed matters, ask how quickly they process applications. Also ask about:

Loan types offered (FHA, VA, conventional)
Down payment requirements
Estimated closing costs
Interest rate lock options

Working with a local loan officer or mortgage broker can help speed things up — especially if they know the area and have relationships with underwriters.

4. Fill Out the Application Completely

The fastest way to slow down your pre-approval is to submit an incomplete application. Double-check your form for:

Accurate employer and income info
Correct Social Security number
Matching details with your financial documents
Signed disclosures and authorization to pull credit

If something doesn’t match — like an address or income source — the lender may request additional verification.

5. Respond to Lender Requests Immediately

After you apply, the lender may ask for additional items like:

Updated bank statements
Explanations for large deposits
Proof of down payment source (gift letter, 401(k) withdrawal, etc.)
Rental history or letters of explanation

The faster you respond, the faster your pre-approval will be finalized. Delays often come from waiting on paperwork — not the lender’s end.

6. Avoid These Common Mistakes

Even after pre-approval, you can accidentally derail your application. Avoid these until after closing:

Changing jobs or income sources
Opening or maxing out credit cards
Making large purchases (cars, furniture)
Transferring large sums without documentation

Once you’re under contract, lenders will often re-check your credit and employment. Don’t do anything that could change your financial profile without consulting your loan officer.

How Long Does Pre-Approval Take?

If you’re organized, many lenders can pre-approve you within 24–48 hours. Some online lenders even offer same-day approvals. Others may take longer if:

You’re self-employed or have complex income
Your credit or finances require extra review
Documents are missing or unclear

Speed is great — but accuracy matters more. Don’t rush through paperwork or choose a lender solely because they’re fast. A solid pre-approval is worth the extra day or two.

What Happens After Pre-Approval?

Once you’re pre-approved, you’ll receive a letter stating your approved loan amount, loan type, and basic terms. This doesn’t guarantee final approval — but it’s a strong signal that you qualify based on your current financials.

With that letter in hand, you can:

Work with a Realtor to find homes in your budget
Make offers with confidence
Act quickly when the right property comes along

Just remember: pre-approval typically lasts 60–90 days. If you don’t find a home in that time, you may need to re-submit updated documents.

Need Help Finding a Lender You Can Trust?

At Trusted in Town, we connect buyers with reputable, responsive mortgage professionals who know how to get things done — fast. Whether you're a first-time buyer or moving up, we’ll help you find someone who listens, explains, and delivers.