Pre-Approval
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Columbus, OH
A real pre-approval shows what you can shop for and tells sellers you're serious. I review every file personally, and as a broker I check options across many lenders, not just one.
What is a mortgage pre-approval?
A pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on what you tell us. A pre-approval goes further: you apply, authorize a credit check and provide documents verifying your income and assets. Lender guidelines are applied to your real numbers, and you receive a written pre-approval letter to include with offers.
A pre-approval is not final approval or a commitment to lend. Final approval still depends on the property, appraisal, title and any changes to your finances before closing.
Documents checklist
Don't have everything? Start anyway; I'll tell you what your program actually needs.
Everyone
- Government-issued photo ID
- Pay stubs covering the last 30 days
- W-2s for the last two years
- Bank and investment statements for the last two months (all pages)
- Proof of other income and any gift funds
- Divorce or bankruptcy paperwork, if they apply
Self-employed or 1099 borrowers
- Personal and business tax returns and 1099s for the last two years
- A year-to-date profit-and-loss statement and proof of time in business
- Bank-statement option: 12 or 24 months of personal or business bank statements may be used instead of tax returns
Truck drivers
- W-2 company drivers: pay stubs, W-2s and your CDL. Tell me if you're paid per diem; it affects how income is calculated.
- 1099 owner-operators: 1099s, settlement statements, tax returns with Schedule C, business bank statements, and your carrier lease or DOT/MC authority. Big write-offs? A bank-statement loan may fit better.
- Veteran drivers: your DD-214. I'll help you request your VA Certificate of Eligibility.
- On the road? Upload from your phone, and we'll schedule calls around your routes.
Investors (DSCR)
- Leases or a rent estimate, LLC documents if applicable, and statements showing funds for your down payment and reserves
How it works
- 1
Tell me your goal. Use the form below or call.
- 2
We talk by phone, video, or at a location convenient to you. I review your situation and recommend a program.
- 3
Apply and upload. Complete a secure application, authorize a credit check and send documents.
- 4
I shop lenders, passing along lender specials on rate, cost and fees when available.
- 5
Get your letter once your file meets lender guidelines. Timing depends on your documents and file.
- 6
Shop with confidence. Under contract, we move to full approval. Most loans close in about 21 days; that isn't guaranteed.
What happens to your credit?
Filling out the form on this page does not pull your credit. A full pre-approval requires a credit check, and I'll tell you before it happens. A soft inquiry doesn't affect your score; a hard inquiry can cause a small, temporary dip. Major scoring models generally count mortgage inquiries within a short shopping window as one.
Until closing, avoid opening new credit, financing big purchases or moving large sums without talking to me first.
Your information is sent over an encrypted connection and used only to respond to your request. No obligation.