
Scott Smith
NMLS # 1634279
813-991-1166 Office
813-260-0778 Text
Mortgage Broker
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What Is a Mortgage Pre-Approval?
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make, and getting pre-approved is one of the smartest ways to start the journey.
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A mortgage pre-approval is a lender's written estimate of how much you may be able to borrow based on a review of your income, assets, credit history, employment, and overall financial picture. It gives you a realistic budget, helps you shop with confidence, and shows sellers you're a serious buyer.
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At New Destiny Mortgage, we believe the pre-approval process should do more than tell you how much you can borrow. It should give you a clear understanding of your financing options, estimated monthly payment, and the loan program that best fits your goals.
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Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, purchasing your next home, refinancing your current mortgage, or investing in real estate, we'll help you move forward with confidence.
Why Get Pre-Approved Before You Shop?
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There are many reasons to get pre-approved before you start looking at homes:
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Know your budget. Shop for homes you can comfortably afford.
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Strengthen your offer. Sellers are more likely to accept offers from buyers who have already been pre-approved.
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Save time. Focus on homes that fit your price range and financing.
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Identify issues early. We can often resolve credit, income, or documentation questions before they delay your purchase.
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Gain peace of mind. You'll know what to expect before making one of life's biggest investments.
What Is a Mortgage Pre-Approval?
Getting pre-approved is easier than many people expect. At New Destiny Mortgage, we've streamlined the process to make it as simple and stress-free as possible.
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Step 1: Complete Your Application
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Start by completing our secure online application or speaking with one of our mortgage professionals. We'll gather basic information about your income, employment, assets, debts, and home buying goals.
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Step 2: Provide Your Documentation
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We'll ask you to provide a few documents so we can verify your financial information. Depending on your situation, these may include:
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Recent pay stubs
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W-2 forms or tax returns (when applicable)
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Bank statements
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Photo identification
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Information about your current housing
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Additional documents if you're self-employed or have other sources of income
We'll let you know exactly what's needed—no guesswork.
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Step 3: We Review Your Financial Profile
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Our team carefully reviews your income, credit, assets, and debt to determine which loan programs best fit your situation. We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our goal is to find the financing solution that works best for you.
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Step 4: Receive Your Pre-Approval
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Once we've completed our review, you'll receive your pre-approval letter, giving you greater confidence as you begin shopping for your new home. You'll know your estimated price range and be better prepared to make a strong offer when you find the right property.
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Documents You'll Typically Need for a Mortgage Pre-Approval
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While every borrower's situation is unique, most mortgage pre-approvals require a few basic documents to verify your financial information. Having these ready can help speed up the process.
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Proof of Identity
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To verify your identity, you'll typically need:
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Government-issued driver's license or state ID
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Passport (if applicable)
Income Documentation
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Depending on how you're paid, you may need:
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Your most recent pay stubs
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W-2 forms from the past two years
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Federal tax returns (if required)
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Social Security, pension, or retirement award letters
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Documentation for any additional sources of income
Asset Documentation
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We'll review your available funds for your down payment, closing costs, and reserves. Typical documents include:
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Recent bank statements
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Retirement account statements (401(k), IRA, etc.)
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Investment account statements
Employment Information
We'll verify your employment and work history, which may include:
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Current employer information
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Two-year employment history
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Business information if you're self-employed
Additional Documentation (When Applicable)
Some borrowers may need to provide additional information depending on their financial situation, such as:
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Divorce decree or child support documentation
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Bankruptcy or foreclosure paperwork
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Gift letter for down payment funds
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Rental property documentation
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Trust or estate documents
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Business financial documents for self-employed borrowers
Don't worry—we'll tell you exactly what's needed based on your unique situation.
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💡 From S.T.'s Desk
You don't need to figure out the paperwork on your own. One of the most common concerns we hear is, "I'm not sure what documents I need." That's our job. We'll provide you with a personalized checklist and walk you through each step so you'll know exactly what to submit and when.
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How Long Does It Take to Get Pre-Approved?
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Many mortgage pre-approvals can be completed within one business day after we've received your application and supporting documents. In some cases, qualified borrowers may receive a pre-approval even sooner.
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If you're self-employed, own multiple properties, or have a more complex financial situation, the review may take a little longer. Our goal is to keep you informed throughout the process and move as quickly as possible without sacrificing accuracy.
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At New Destiny Mortgage, we understand that timing matters. Whether you're making an offer on a home or just beginning your search, we'll work diligently to help you move forward with confidence.
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💡 From S.T.'s Desk
One of the biggest mistakes homebuyers make is waiting until they find the perfect home before getting pre-approved. By taking care of your financing first, you'll be ready to act quickly when the right opportunity comes along.
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Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
