Do I Need a Mortgage Pre-Approval Before House Hunting?

Short answer: yes. Here's why it matters — and how it helps.

2 min readJason Bruce

House hunting without a pre-approval is like shopping without knowing your budget.

You might fall in love with something you can't actually buy — or miss out on the one you can.

Jason Bruce reviewing mortgage pre-approval documents on tablet

What Is Pre-Approval?

Understanding what mortgage pre-approval means and its importance.

Pre-approval means the bank has conditionally agreed to lend you a certain amount — based on your income, deposit, and financial position.

It's not a full loan approval — but it gives you confidence and speed when it counts.

Why It's So Important

Key benefits of having a mortgage pre-approval.

  • Shows sellers and agents you're serious
  • Lets you move fast when you find the right place
  • Helps you avoid heartbreak (and wasted time)
  • Reveals what price range you should actually be looking in

What Happens Without It?

The risks of house hunting without pre-approval.

  • You could miss out on a great property while waiting for approval
  • You might discover your budget is lower than expected
  • You risk rushing paperwork under pressure — and making mistakes

Pro tip: Don't wait until you find a property to start the approval process — it could be too late.

When Should You Get Pre-Approved?

Timing your pre-approval application right.

As early as possible — even before you start looking.

  • Pre-approvals usually last 60–90 days
  • They can be refreshed if your situation hasn't changed
  • It gives you time to clean up finances or grow your deposit if needed

What's the Process?

Simple steps to getting your pre-approval.

  1. Chat to a mortgage adviser (like me)
  2. Gather your financial docs (income, savings, expenses)
  3. Apply for pre-approval with one or more lenders

That's it — and I'll guide you through every step.

Ready to Get Pre-Approved?

Let's get you ready to house hunt with confidence.

I'll help you understand your options and guide you through the pre-approval process.

Jason Bruce
Jason Bruce
Licensed Mortgage Adviser

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