# Be Prepared with a Pre-Approval

By Brian Dewald (@briandewald) · Published 2026-10-20

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A strong pre-approval begins before you find the house you want. Taking time to organize your finances and documentation can make the process smoother and give you a clearer understanding of your options.

Your mortgage team may request recent paystubs, W-2s, tax returns, bank statements, identification and information about your employment and housing history. The exact documents needed will depend on your income, loan program and individual financial situation.

It is also important to avoid major financial changes while preparing to buy. Opening new credit accounts, financing furniture, making large purchases or using buy-now-pay-later services such as Affirm or Klarna may affect your monthly obligations and qualification.

Be prepared to explain large deposits and document where your down payment and closing funds are coming from. If you plan to use gift funds, let your mortgage team know early so they can explain the proper documentation.

Pre-approval is more than receiving a price range. It is an opportunity to identify possible challenges, compare loan options and develop a realistic plan before making an offer.

Next week, we’ll bring everything together and discuss how preparation can help you move confidently when the right home appears.

_Maverick Lending Solutions, LLC | NMLS #2503391 | Equal Housing Opportunity_