Talk to a realtor

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage before looking at houses is important for several reasons:

1. Clear Budget: Pre-approval helps determine how much you can afford, so you can focus on properties within your price range.
2. Stronger Offer: Sellers view pre-approved buyers as more serious and financially reliable, which can strengthen your offer in a competitive market.
3. Faster Closing: The pre-approval process involves verifying your financial information, which can speed up the closing process once you find a home.
4. Identifies Issues Early: The pre-approval process can uncover potential financial issues or challenges, allowing you to address them before making an offer.
5. Confidence in Negotiations: Knowing your financing is secured can give you confidence in negotiations and help you move quickly when you find the right property.

Overall, pre-approval can streamline the home-buying process and enhance your position as a buyer.