What Is The Difference Between Being Prequalified And Preapproved For A Loan?
Are you wondering what is the difference between being prequalified and preapproved for a loan? Do you always get confused because they seem pretty much the same thing, right? But there is actually a fundamental difference between both.
And it is pretty simple to explain it:
When you receive a letter saying you're prequalified for a loan, it means that you POTENTIALLY could get a loan for the amount stated in the letter - assuming that all of the information they have on you (whether given directly by you or by credit report agencies) was accurate and true.
Now, when you're pre-approved, it means that you have already undergone the extensive financial background check - which includes looking at your credit report, previous tax returns and verifying your employment - and the lender is willing to give you a loan. You're APPROVED! So, they give you a letter that states such and it is usually valid for 60 days thereafter. Notwithstanding the above, you will have an accurate figure which shows the maximum amount that you are approved for.
Can you see what is the difference between being prequalified and preapproved for a loan now?
Preapproved is a done deal for a determined value should you decide to go further, while prequalified is an invitation to see how much under that specified value can you get once all your financial information is checked and your credit risk is assessed. Because of that, most home sellers prefer home buyers that have been preapproved because they know that there will not be any problems with the purchase of their home.
Some real estate agents will even tell you to first get preapproved before going out shopping because the amount you will be able to get will define the ballpark at which you will be able to play in.
Popular Real Estate Questions
Popular Real Estate Glossary Terms
Property owned and held jointly and equally shared by each spouse. It is purchased during their marriage, regardless of the wage-earning situation of either spouse. A spouse may not make a ...
The term comparables is used to better determine the value an asset has when compared to others, similar to it. Real estate comparables are used in assessments to determine a house’s ...
The cost of property, such as a home owned for tax purposes. For example, a home was purchased for $150,000. capital improvements to it cost $15,000. The house was later sold for $230,000. ...
Tenancy that may be terminated by one party- the tenant or the landlord- at any time. The agreement may be in writing or oral. For example, Jack has an oral agreement to use Christine's ...
Highest amount a property is worth equal to the amount that would have to be paid to buy equivalent property in the market place. ...
Loan with a significant down payment with the balance being paid in equal periodic payments over a short time period. There is no interest charge. An example is when a seller of real ...
Descriptive of a property boundary that follows the course of a river or estuary. For example, a land description may say its boundary follows "the meander of the river" meaning the ...
Certificate issued by the government showing evidence that the veteran is qualified and the amount of guarantee available to maintain a VA loan. It is one of the documents necessary to ...
Buyer agrees to accept the responsibility for the existing mortgage. The seller is not relieved of the obligation unless the lender agrees to release it. Many lenders charge points and ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.