Buyers: Getting Pre-Approved Matters More Than You Think

By Jason Starr

With over 30 years of combined experience, we understand the finer nuances of selling your home. We know where the seller's largest loss of revenue is when selling and the 4 reasons why a home doesn't sell. Want to learn? Contact us knowing you'll receive no pressure and total confidentiality.

Buyers are still facing tight inventory and high competition in today’s market, even though conditions have cooled slightly from the extremes of the past few years. As we continue through 2025, the supply of available homes remains low, which means buyers need to take every possible step to position themselves strongly when making an offer.

One of the most important ways to stand out is by securing a pre-approval. Today, I sat down with Jennifer McCall of Total Mortgage, who shared insights on why a full pre-approval is far more valuable than a basic pre-qualification. Here’s everything you need to know:

Pre-qualification vs. pre-approval. According to Jennifer, pre-qualification involves a basic review of self-reported financial information and may not include a credit check or documentation. In contrast, a pre-approval is a more thorough process. It includes verifying income, checking credit, and confirming key financial details. This added layer of certainty gives buyers a clear advantage when competing against other offers.

The benefits of a pre-approval. A pre-approval provides greater peace of mind for agents and sellers. When multiple offers are being considered, a buyer who has completed the full pre-approval process will often be viewed more favorably than one who has only submitted general numbers. Pre-approval may also help shorten the closing timeline, offering further value to sellers looking for a quicker transaction.

Jennifer also emphasized how important pre-approval is from the agent’s perspective. There is nothing more disappointing than showing a home to a buyer who falls in love with it, only to discover it is just outside of their financial range. Taking the time to go through pre-approval helps buyers focus on homes that align with their budget, reducing emotional letdowns and creating a smoother overall experience.

The homebuying process does not need to be stressful. Following the right steps and working with trusted professionals like Jennifer McCall helps buyers feel more confident and better prepared throughout the process.

For more information about the pre-approval process, you can reach out to Jennifer directly at jmccall@totalmortgage.com or find her at jenthelender.com. If you have questions about real estate or need guidance, you can contact me at 603-293-7227 or send me an email at StarrRealtyNH@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.