Should you be pre-approved or pre-qualified?

As a potential buyer competing for a property, you'll have a better chance of getting your offer accepted by being as prepared as possible. Consider this hierarchy of preparedness:

1. Neither pre-qualified nor pre-approved

2. Pre-qualified

3. Pre-approved

The benefits available at each level can be easily understood when viewed from the seller's perspective. Imagine you're a seller in receipt of multiple offers to purchase your property. A complete stranger (buyer) is asking you to take your property off the market for at least the next two to three weeks while they apply for a loan. As the seller, let's consider the type of buyer you'd prefer to deal with.

1. Neither pre-qualified nor pre-approved

This buyer provides no evidence that they can afford to purchase your property. You may wonder how serious they are since they're not at least pre-qualified.

2. Pre-qualified

This buyer met with a mortgage broker (or lender) and discussed their situation.The buyer informed the broker regarding their income, expenses, assets and liabilities. The broker may also have seen their credit report. The buyer provided you with a letter from the broker stating an opinion of what the buyer can afford.

2. Pre-approved

This buyer provided a broker or lender written evidence of income, expenses,assets, liabilities and credit. All information was verified by a lender. As a result, much of the paperwork for this buyer's loan has been completed. This buyer will probably be able to close quickly. They provided you with a letter (pre-approvalcertificate) from the lender. You're as certain as possible that this buyer can close. As a potential buyer, you can see that being pre-approved will give you the best chance of getting your offer accepted. This is critical in a competitive situation. Only after you have taken the preliminary steps are you prepared and ready to purchase a home.

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