Prequalified vs. Preapproved for a Mortgage: What’s the Difference?

prequalified preapproved or preunderwrittenIf you’re getting ready to buy a home, one of the first things you’ll hear is that you need to get preapproved. But what does that actually mean — and how is it different from being prequalified? And what about a loan commitment letter, or being pre-underwritten?

These terms get used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. The difference matters — especially in a competitive market where sellers are evaluating the strength of every offer on the table.

Here’s a simple breakdown of each level and what to look for. [Read more…]

What is the difference between a Preapproval Letter and a Loan Commitment Letter?

prequalified preapproved or preunderwrittenLast week I shared how it’s pretty much mandatory that if you are a home buyer making an offer on a home located in the greater Seattle area, you better be equipped with a strong preapproval letter from a reputable lender.

Some home buyers are taking this a step further and requesting a Loan Commitment Letter from their lender. What’s the difference?

There are actually three levels of qualifications that a potential home buyer may have after contacting a lender. Please keep in mind that not all lenders may have the same standards or definitions as what I’m posting here.

[Read more…]