What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?
A prequalification is a quick, informal estimate based on what you tell a lender. A pre-approval is stronger — the lender verifies your income, assets, and credit and issues a letter showing how much you can borrow. Sellers take pre-approved buyers far more seriously.
People use these words like they're the same thing, but they're not.
A prequalification is a fast, informal estimate. You tell a lender your rough income, debts, and savings, and they give you a ballpark of what you might afford. It's a useful starting point for budgeting.
A pre-approval is the real deal. The lender verifies your documents — income, assets, credit — and issues a pre-approval letter stating how much you're approved to borrow. In a competitive market, this matters: when you make an offer, that letter tells the seller you're serious and able to close.
My advice: get pre-approved before you fall in love with a house. It makes your offer stronger and keeps you from shopping above your range. I'll connect you with lenders I trust to get it done.
This answer is general education, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Your situation is unique — let's talk through the specifics together.