
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Step 1: Complete Your Application
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.
Step 2: Provide Your Documentation
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.
Step 3: We Review Your Financial Profile
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.
Step 4: Receive Your Pre-Approval
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.
Documents You'll Typically Need for a Mortgage Pre-Approval
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.
Proof of Identity
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
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
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.
💡 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.
How Long Does It Take to Get Pre-Approved?
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.
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.
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.
💡 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.
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
