Before we tackle prequalify vs. preapproval mortgage, let's talk about the lenders themselves.

When you start thinking about buying a house, you'll likely come across terms like prequalification and preapproval. These are steps lenders use to figure out if you can handle a mortgage. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Every lender has their own way of doing things. The steps to approve a mortgage and the terms used can vary widely. Although prequalification and preapproval might sound similar, and some lenders might use them as if they're the same, they traditionally mean different things.

Remember, getting preapproved or prequalified doesn’t mean your mortgage is a done deal. These are just initial checks to estimate how much you might be able to borrow. You'll still need to find a house and make an offer, and then the house must pass an appraisal and inspection for any necessary repairs before you can seal the deal on your new home.

This process to prequalify is no more than an informal chat with your lender where you’ll share details about your income, debts and assets. From there, your lender gives you a rough idea of how much money you can borrow.

Because a prequalification isn’t an in-depth look at your finances, it's quick, painless and usually free. It’s an important first step, but it’s just an estimate based on the information you shared and doesn’t guarantee an approval down the road.

Getting prequalified means having a lender glance at your financial picture, but a mortgage preapproval is a deeper dive into your specifics. The lender will check your credit report and score, analyze your income, look over your debts and verify your employment details. You'll also need to hand over some paperwork like your tax returns, pay stubs and bank statements.

This is a more formal first step and it involves completing a full application, even without a property in mind, which provides a clear picture of exactly how much you can borrow.

Let’s dig a little deeper into what’s required with getting prequalified vs. preapproved so that you know what you’re getting into with each.

Prequalification requirements

• Share your financial info: You'll provide the lender with an overview of your financial situation, including your income, debts and assets. No need to dig up official documents just yet.
• Connect with a lender by phone or online: Busy at work? You can often handle this by phone or online. It's just a casual conversation that doesn't take much time.

Preapproval requirements

• Document submission: Preapproval goes beyond prequalification by requiring you to complete a mortgage application and submit documents that verify your financial status. This includes tax returns, W-2s, paycheck stubs and bank statements.
• Credit check: The preapproval process also includes a thorough check of your credit history and credit score. This means the lender will perform a hard inquiry, which might impact your credit score. Don’t worry—if there’s a drop in your score, it should be pretty minimal and it’s only temporary.

If you're still in browsing mode, prequalification can give you a price range to shoot for so you can search more efficiently. It can also tell you which parts of your finances need some TLC before you apply for a mortgage.

When you’re ready to buy, preapproval is a powerful ally. It shows sellers that your background has been fully vetted and a lender is prepared to back you. This is especially handy if you're under a time crunch or in a competitive market where bidding wars are the norm.

Getting preapproved can give you an even better idea of what you can afford than a prequalification can. This is where programs like the Citi SureStart® Pre-Approval can come in handy. This preapproval not only gives you a clear picture of your purchasing power but also provides a strong commitment to lend. This reassures sellers of your serious intent to buy, giving you a significant advantage in a competitive housing market. Here’s how the process works:

1. Check your credit score: First things first, take a peek at your credit score. It’s good to know where you stand because a higher score can really smooth the path to getting a better mortgage deal.
2. Gather your docs: You’ll need to round up some paperwork—this includes your recent pay stubs, the last two years of tax returns, bank statements and any other details about debts you might have.
3. Apply: Once you’ve picked your lender, fill out their application form. There’s usually a fee involved, which covers the cost of checking your credit and processing your application.
4. Wait for it: Now, the ball is in the lender’s court. They’ll go through your application, check out your financial details and decide if they think you’re a good candidate for a loan. This can take a few days to a few weeks.
5. Get your preapproval letter: If all goes well, you’ll get a preapproval letter that says how much you can borrow, what kind of loan you might get and possibly the interest rate.

Still have questions? You’re not alone. Here are some frequently asked questions on the topic of getting prequalified vs. preapproved for a mortgage.