From Prequalified to Offer Accepted: What Homebuyers Need to Know (Workshop Replay)

If you’re thinking about buying a home, there’s a lot that happens between casually getting “prequalified” and having your offer accepted. This workshop replay walks you through that entire early phase of the homebuying process—step by step—so you know what to expect, who’s involved, and how to position yourself as a strong buyer.

Below, you’ll find the replay of my Home Buying Workshop: From Prequalified to Offer Accepted, along with highlights and key takeaways from the class.

👉 Watch the full workshop replay below:

What This Workshop Covers

This class is designed for first-time buyers and anyone who wants a clearer understanding of how the homebuying process really works before writing an offer.

In this workshop, I cover:

• The difference between pre-qualification, pre-approval, and pre-underwritten pre-approval
• Why being truly pre-approved matters before you shop for a home
• How a pre-underwritten approval can strengthen your offer in competitive markets
• Why I recommend a discovery call before starting a loan application
• How to shop for a lender beyond just comparing interest rates
• Who’s on your homebuying team (and what each role actually does)
• How to choose the right real estate agent to represent you
• For Sale By Owner (FSBO): potential pros, risks, and protections
• How mortgage rates really work—and why they change so often
• What a solid loan scenario should include (payment, APR, cash to close, and more)
• How pre-approval letters are used strategically when making an offer
• A high-level overview of the Washington State Purchase & Sale Agreement
• Common mistakes to avoid once you’re pre-approved (credit, jobs, deposits, new debt)

Prequalified vs. Preapproved: Why the Difference Matters

One of the biggest sources of confusion for buyers is the difference between being prequalified and preapproved.

• Pre-qualification is an initial conversation—often based on unverified information.
• Pre-approval means you’ve completed an application, your credit has been reviewed, documents have been provided, and underwriting systems have been run.
• Pre-underwritten pre-approval takes it a step further by having a human underwriter review your file before you make an offer.

This final step can make a big difference when sellers are deciding between multiple offers.

Choosing the Right Lender and Real Estate Agent

Buying a home isn’t just about the house—it’s about the team you assemble.

In this workshop, I explain:

• The differences between banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers, and correspondent lenders
• Why experience, communication, and follow-through matter just as much as rate
• How to interview both loan officers and real estate agents
• Why buyer representation is so important—and what buyer’s agents really do for you
• What to know about dual agency and recent changes to how agents are compensated

Your lender and real estate agent should work together seamlessly to support your offer and protect your interests.

Making an Offer: Understanding the Purchase & Sale Agreement

Once you’re ready to write an offer, the Purchase and Sale Agreement becomes the roadmap for the entire transaction.

We review:

• Earnest money and how it works
• Financing, appraisal, and inspection contingencies
• Timelines for inspections, appraisals, and closing
• What “mutual acceptance” really means
• How negotiations and counteroffers typically unfold

You’re not expected to memorize every clause—but understanding the basics will help you feel more confident and prepared.

Important Reminders Once You’re Preapproved

Once your loan is in motion:

• Don’t open or close credit accounts
• Don’t make large undocumented deposits
• Don’t change jobs or income structure
• Don’t co-sign for new loans
• Don’t let multiple lenders pull your credit unnecessarily

Small changes can have a big impact during underwriting.

Homework (Optional)

Before you contact a lender or have your credit pulled:

• Visit OptOutPrescreen.com to reduce unwanted calls and texts
• Register at DoNotCall.gov

Bonus idea: start a simple vision board for your future home—features, location, lifestyle goals, and financial priorities

Request a copy of the Homebuyer Workshop Dashboard here and other homebuyer workshop resources.

What’s Next in the Workshop Series?

The next class in this series dives deeper into:

• Different mortgage programs
• Down payment options
• Strategies to improve affordability
• Tips to help your offer get accepted

👉 You can RSVP and access the full workshop dashboard at:
MortgagePorter.com/education

Each workshop has its own registration link, and the dashboard is updated as new classes are added.

If you have questions after watching the replay—or want to talk through your own homebuying plan—I’m always happy to help.