Mortgage Pre-Approval in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide
By Kimi Ortega, Loan Officer (NMLS #495946) · June 10, 2026 · 5 min read
In a competitive DFW market, a strong pre-approval is the single most valuable thing you can carry into a home search. It tells you your real budget and tells sellers you are serious. Here is exactly how to get one.
Pre-qualification vs pre-approval
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on what you tell us. Pre-approval is the real thing: we verify your income, credit, and assets and issue a letter showing what you are approved to borrow. Sellers take pre-approval far more seriously.
What you will need
- Recent pay stubs and W-2s or 1099s, plus tax returns if you are self-employed.
- Recent bank and retirement statements.
- A government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number.
The steps
- Apply. A short application and a soft conversation about your goals.
- Verify. We review your documents and credit.
- Get your letter. You receive a pre-approval letter with a clear budget.
"A pre-approval is not paperwork for the sake of paperwork. It is your negotiating power. In a multiple-offer situation, it is often what gets your offer to the top of the pile."
Kimi OrtegaLoan Officer, NMLS #495946 · Serving Texas since 2008How long it lasts, and a few tips
Pre-approvals are typically good for 60 to 90 days and easy to refresh. While you shop, avoid opening new credit, financing a car, or making large unexplained deposits, since any of those can change your approval. For the full picture, see how our process works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does pre-approval take?
Often the same day or the next once we have your documents. The verification is the part that takes the most time.
Does getting pre-approved hurt my credit?
Pre-approval involves a credit check, but the impact is usually small and temporary, and rate-shopping within a short window typically counts as a single inquiry.
How long is a pre-approval letter good for?
Usually 60 to 90 days. If your search runs longer, we can refresh it quickly with updated documents.