Get Pre-Approved

Getting pre-approved is the first step toward owning your new home. It not only helps you understand your budget but also strengthens your offer when you find the right property. With a pre-approval from Sammamish Mortgage, you’ll know exactly how much you can borrow, get a clearer picture of your monthly payment, and show sellers you’re a serious, qualified buyer. Our online process is fast, easy, and personalized to your needs.

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Why Do I Need to be Pre-Approved to Buy a Home?

Today’s seller will not accept an offer from a potential buyer without a pre-approval letter. In the past, many buyers opted for the easier-to-obtain pre-qualification letter. In today’s market, however, bidding wars are commonplace and a full pre-approval letter is a must. The letter must state the lender has not only verified your credit, but your income and assets as well.

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TermConforming 30 year fixed
Rate5.750%
APR5.996%

98004 | $800,000 | Credit Score 800+ | 25 Down

TermConforming 15 year fixed
Rate4.875%
APR5.253%

98004 | $800,000 | Credit Score 800+ | 25 Down

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Don’t Assume You Know Your Buying Power

Many buyers assume they will qualify for the home their neighbor, co-worker, or friend bought. There are many factors, however, that go into determining what home you can afford.

  • Credit history
  • Credit score
  • A source of income
  • Assets
  • Mortgage history

However, being proactive is crucial.

It is estimated there are over 40-million errors on credit reports in the US at any given time. Give yourself time to fix any unexpected issues that may arise during the preapproval process. Better yet, be proactive and start investigating your own credit score and disputing errors months before you apply for a mortgage.

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Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification

A pre-approval differs from a pre-qualification.

  • With a pre-qualification, the lender relies on information provided by the buyer, in order to estimate the amount he or she can borrow.
  • With a pre-approval, the lender verifies the buyer’s information and documentation to determine exactly how much the borrower can afford. It also establishes the down payment and available loan programs.

In a competitive market, you need all the help you can get. Nothing is worse than finding the perfect house, and missing out because you weren’t pre-approved and prepared to make a solid offer. Don’t window shop for a home until you get pre-approved by a reputable lender like Sammamish Mortgage.

Benefits of Getting Pre-Approved Early

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage before you start house hunting is beneficial for several reasons:

  • It strengthens your offer in competitive markets
  • It gives you time to fix credit or financial issues
  • It helps you set a realistic budget
  • It allows faster closing once you find a home
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Ease the Stress of Buying a Home

The process of buying a home can be stressful. Getting pre-approved ahead of time will go a long way in making the process more enjoyable. Providing more documentation upfront decreases the chances of unexpected surprises, or a last minute scramble to provide the necessary documentation.

The documents needed for pre-approval are many of the same documents required during the actual loan process. While a preapproval is not a loan commitment, it is extremely helpful in speeding up the approval process, once an offer is accepted and a closing date is determined.

Once your home purchase process is moving forward, you’ll only have to complete the home appraisal and inspection phases and have your loan go through underwriting to reach your final approval.

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Pre-Approvals are Free

Sammamish Mortgage offers free preapprovals. There is no application fee, or fee of any kind, to get preapproved. Click the link below to get started today.

If you’re a buyer who’s ready to find a new home in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California or Colorado, Sammamish Mortgage can help. We’re a local, family-owned mortgage firm based in the Washington area and serve the entire state, in addition to the broader Pacific Northwest region including Oregon, Colorado, California and Idaho.

Please get in touch with us with any mortgage-related questions or to get a rate quote.

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FAQs

Does pre-approval affect my credit score?

Yes, it triggers a hard inquiry, which can cause your credit score to dip slightly, though only temporarily.

How long does getting pre-approved take?

It can take anywhere from 1 to 10 business days, depending on your lender, your financial situation, and how quickly you submit documents.

What documents do I need?

Typically, you’ll need the following documents to get pre-approved:

  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
  • Employment verification
  • Bank statements
  • Information about your debts and assets
What credit score do I need?

Most lenders prefer credit scores in the mid-600s or higher. That said, lower scores may still qualify if other factors are strong, like your income and down payment. However, a lower credit score could mean higher interest rates.

How much can I get pre-approved for?

The amount you can get pre-approved for depends on your income, debts, credit score, and down payment. Lenders use your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio to determine how much you can borrow for a mortgage, which is a comparison of your monthly debt and monthly income. Generally speaking, your total DTI ratio should be no more than 45% to 50%.

Can I lock in an interest rate when I get pre-approved?

Yes, many lenders offer rate holds for 60 to 130 days during the pre-approval period.

Can I be denied a mortgage after being pre-approved?

Yes, you can still be turned down if your financial situation or credit score change, or the property doesn’t meet lender standards.

What should I avoid after getting pre-approved?

Avoid applying for new credit, switching jobs, or missing bill payments, all of which can sabotage your final approval.

How long is pre-approval valid?

Pre-approvals are usually valid for 60 to 130 days, depending on the lender. If it expires, you may be able to renew it.

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Working with Sammamish Mortgage

We put YOU first. We are committed to getting every client the most effective possible deal every single time.

Sammamish Mortgage offers some of the most competitive rates in the Nation!

Fast and efficient, we close most of our loans quickly and on time.

We offer a variety of loans. Sammamish Mortgage will find you the loan that is right for you!!!

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