7 Quick Steps to Get Pre‑Approved for a Home Loan (Even If You’re New)

Getting pre-approved for a home loan can feel like a huge step—especially when you’re buying your first place. I’ve been there. Between credit scores, lender requirements, and all the financial paperwork, it’s easy to feel stuck before you even start.

If you’ve already searched how to get pre approved for a home loan, you’re on the right track. But here’s the thing: most advice out there either overcomplicates it or tells you the obvious—“check your credit” or “save for a down payment.” No one tells you how to move fast, avoid delays, and actually feel confident when talking to lenders.

That’s what this guide is for.

I’m sharing 7 quick, practical tips that’ll help you get pre-approved faster, smarter, and with fewer headaches. Whether your credit isn’t perfect or you’re just figuring things out, these steps will give you a clear direction—so you don’t waste time or miss out on the home you love.

Let’s dive in. But before we start—have you already tried talking to a lender, or are you still getting prepared? Let me know in the comments.

1. Check & Boost Your Credit Score—Fast

Before you even think about applying for a home loan, check your credit score. This number can make or break your approval—and the interest rate you get. A score of 740 or higher usually unlocks the best rates. But even if you’re not there yet, don’t panic.

When I first checked mine, I realized there were small things dragging it down—like high credit card balances and one late payment I didn’t even know about. Paying down existing debt and fixing errors on your credit report can give your score a quick boost in just a few weeks.

You can check your report for free once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com, and many banks and apps show you your FICO score for free. If anything looks off—even a wrong address—dispute it right away. Every point matters. If your score still feels out of reach, don’t worry—you can still buy a home with bad credit if you take the right steps and know where to look.

“Lenders care more about how you manage credit than how much you make. Clean up your report, even if you think it’s ‘good enough.’” — Reddit user on r/FirstTimeHomeBuyer

Tip: Don’t open any new credit cards or take out other loans while preparing. Even applying can ding your score temporarily.

2. Calculate & Optimize Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Lenders look at more than just your credit—they also want to know how much of your income is already tied up in other debt. This is called your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI). Ideally, it should be under 36% (some lenders allow up to 43%, but lower is better).

To calculate it: Add up all your monthly debt payments (credit cards, car loans, student loans, etc.) and divide by your gross monthly income. Multiply by 100 to get your DTI percentage.

When I ran the numbers for myself, I realized I was barely under the limit—and one credit card payment was pushing it up. I paid off that balance, and suddenly I looked much better on paper.

Small moves, like paying down balances or holding off on large purchases, can make a huge difference. Need to free up more room in your budget? These 5 saving hacks for buying a home (even if you’re broke) can seriously help lower your DTI faster than you’d expect.

Tip: If your DTI is too high, try increasing your income (side gig, freelance work) or cutting out any optional debt payments before applying. It’s all about appearing “low risk” to lenders.

3. Prepare Key Documents in One Go

Once your credit and DTI are in check, the next step is to gather all your key financial documents in one shot. Most delays in the pre-approval process come down to missing paperwork—so if you want to move fast, get organized early.

Here’s what most lenders will ask for:

• Last 2 years of tax returns
• Recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days)
• W-2s or 1099s
• Bank statements (checking, savings, and investment accounts)
• Photo ID and proof of address

If you’re self-employed or work freelance, you’ll likely need additional documents like profit-and-loss statements or 1099s.

I printed everything out, scanned it into a single PDF, and shared it with my lender on day one. That simple step shaved days off my pre-approval.

Tip: Don’t wait for your lender to ask—send the full packet upfront. It shows you’re serious and makes you easier to work with.

4. Compare 3+ Lenders Quickly

One of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make? Talking to just one lender.

Every lender offers slightly different rates, fees, and timelines. If you only get one quote, you’ll never know if you’re overpaying. I talked to four lenders before picking one—and just that step saved me thousands over the life of the loan.

Use tools like Zillow, Bankrate, or NerdWallet to compare pre-approval offers side by side. Then reach out to lenders directly—some may offer better terms than what’s listed online, especially if you mention that you’re shopping around.

Even the New York Post and Business Insider have covered how skipping this step leads to major regret later.

Tip: Ask each lender for a Loan Estimate (LE)—this is a standardized form that lets you easily compare rates, closing costs, and terms.

5. Use a Mortgage Broker or Credit Union Edge

If you’re only dealing with big-name banks, you might be leaving better options on the table.

Mortgage brokers can help you shop around with multiple lenders at once. They often have access to lower or wholesale rates you won’t see online—especially if you’re self-employed, have a lower credit score, or don’t fit into the “ideal borrower” box. A good broker can find creative solutions and save you time.

Credit unions are another hidden gem for first-time buyers. Since they’re not-for-profit, they tend to offer lower fees, flexible terms, and faster approvals. Many also work closely with local real estate professionals, which helps things move more smoothly.

I’ve seen buyers get declined by big lenders, only to be approved—and at better terms—through a broker or credit union. So if you’re serious about getting the best deal, it’s worth looking beyond the obvious options.

Tip: Even if you’re comfortable with your current bank, get at least one outside quote. It could save you thousands over the life of the loan.

6. Avoid Credit or Job Changes Before Approval

One of the easiest ways to derail your pre-approval is by making financial changes too soon.

That means no new credit cards, no car loans, and ideally, no job changes until your home loan is finalized. Even something that feels like a good change—like a better-paying job—can force your lender to reverify everything, and that could delay or reset your approval.

Lenders want stability. They need to see consistent income, low risk, and no surprises. I’ve seen buyers get denied last minute just for buying furniture or applying for store credit before closing. It’s a small action with big consequences.

So treat your financial life like it’s on pause from the day you apply to the day you close.

Tip: If something unavoidable comes up—talk to your lender first. Being transparent early is always better than trying to fix things later.

7. Leverage Pre‑Approval Timing Smartly

Getting pre-approved is a big step—but timing it right is just as important.

Most pre-approval letters expire in 60 to 90 days, depending on the lender. If you apply too early, your letter could expire before you even make an offer. If you apply too late, you might lose out on homes because sellers don’t take you seriously.

So the key is to align your timing. Start gathering documents and improving your credit early, but submit your pre-approval application when you’re ready to start touring homes seriously.

I always recommend checking with your lender on their specific window—and asking how easy it is to renew the letter if needed.

Tip: A fresh pre-approval makes your offer more competitive. Sellers love to see serious buyers who are financially ready to close. And if you’re thinking a few steps ahead and planning to sell your current home too, here are 9 must-know facts about home appraisals in 2025 that could affect your timing and strategy.

7 Tips at a Glance

Here’s your bulletproof checklist to move fast and stay ahead:

• Check and boost your credit score before applying
• Calculate your debt-to-income ratio and adjust if needed
• Gather all required documents in one go
• Compare at least three lenders before choosing one
• Consider mortgage brokers or credit unions for better flexibility
• Avoid any credit or job changes until you close
• Time your pre-approval to match your house hunting window

Each step might feel small, but together they speed up your approval, boost your credibility, and save you money over the long haul.

Final Tip—Don’t Rush, But Be Ready

Buying your first home is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re trying to move too fast.

Here’s the truth: the strongest buyers aren’t the ones who hustle hardest. They’re the ones who prepare quietly and act with confidence when the right moment comes. That means getting your finances in shape, having your documents ready, understanding the numbers, and knowing what you can realistically afford.

When a home you love hits the market, you won’t need to scramble. You’ll already be pre-approved, already know your budget, and already understand what makes a smart offer.

Take your time—but do the work ahead of time. That’s the difference between feeling rushed and being ready.

Tip: Treat this process like training, not a race. The more you prepare now, the easier every decision will feel later.

Got stuck somewhere? Learned something helpful? Drop it in the comments—I read every one. Your insight might help someone else who’s just a step behind you.

Visit Build Like New for guides, tools, and expert advice that actually makes sense.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Mortgage rules, rates, and approval criteria vary by lender and location. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional or financial advisor before making any home loan decisions.

Build Like New is not affiliated with any specific lender or broker mentioned and does not guarantee loan approval outcomes.