How do I get a mortgage pre-approval?

Short Answer

Apply for a loan at jonathanloescher.com/apply. I review the file as Loan Originator. Pre-approval is a detailed lender review, not a conversation about income or credit score.

How do I get a mortgage pre-approval?

Apply at /apply. I originate through PMF, Inc. (NMLS 2621894). Pre-approval is a lender review of a file. It is not a text that says you are probably fine. It is not a FICO screenshot. It is not my Realtor license doing underwriting.

A letter may follow. That letter is conditional. It is not a promise to fund.

What this looks like in Pinellas

Sellers in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Seminole still ask for a letter before they take a house off the market. Condo questionnaires, flood quotes, and insurance binds can still kill a file after the letter. Dual-licensed help means the search and the 1003 can share facts. It does not waive overlays.

Step-by-step

  1. Gather income, assets, and debts.
  2. Apply at /apply.
  3. Answer underwriting conditions as they arrive.
  4. Use the letter as the shopping box.
  5. Update the letter if the price or property type changes.

Pre-approval versus other words

PhraseWhat it usually means
PrequalSoft conversation, often thin
Pre-approvalFile review, still conditional
Clear to closeUnderwriting finished on that contract
Commitment to lendNot this page

What you control versus what you do not

You control document speed and honesty on the 1003. You do not control investor overlays. You do not control a condo questionnaire.

Common mistakes

Touring for weeks with no file. Collecting five letters in two days without asking about inquiries. Treating my dual license as approval.

Next step

Apply. Book if you also want the buyer-broker conversation.

Realty of America and PMF, Inc. stay separate. Consumer education, not a commitment to lend. Equal Housing Opportunity applies.

Jonathan Loescher, SL3546365 and NMLS 2621894. 29399 US Highway 19 Suite 150, Clearwater, FL 33761. (727) 729-2961.

Jonathan's Advice

Expert Insight

I will not call a hallway chat a pre-approval. If you want to write in Pinellas this month, apply. The letter is conditional. It still beats a screenshot of a credit app.

Talk through your situation

Real estate services are through Realty of America, LLC. Mortgage services are through PMF, Inc..

Equal Housing Opportunity

Real estate services: Realty of America, LLC · FL #SL3546365

Mortgage services: Jonathan Loescher NMLS #2621894, PMF, Inc. NMLS #1980

This page is general education, not legal, tax, or a commitment to lend.

Program benefits have conditions; ask for current terms.

Fair housing: this page describes property and process, never preferred residents.

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