Independent Bank - Carrie Aeschliman

02/16/2026

🏡 Prequalified vs. Preapproved — What’s the Difference?

👉🏻PREQUALIFIED

✔ Based on information you provide
✔ No documents reviewed
✔ Estimate of buying power
✔ Great first step

⚠ Not strong enough for a competitive offer in today’s market!

👉🏻PREAPPROVED

✔ Credit officially pulled
✔ Income & assets verified
✔ Reviewed through underwriting system
✔ Strong buying position

🏆 Sellers take this seriously

Preapproval = Real Buying Power

✅✅Message me to get preapproved today!

NMLS #: 129663

01/05/2026

Is your Goal for 2026 to purchase a new home?

Here are a few mortgage preapproval tips for you:

✅Get Preapproved Before House Hunting
👉🏻Sellers take preapproved buyers more seriously
👉🏻You’ll know your true price range, not just what online calculators estimate
👉🏻It helps you move fast in competitive markets

✅Organize Your Documents
👉🏻Most lenders will ask for:
• Last 2 years of W-2s (or tax returns if self-employed)
• Last 30 days of pay stubs
• Last 2 months of bank statements
• Photo ID

Having these ready will speeds things up dramatically.

✅Know Your Loan and Down Payment Options
👉🏻Conventional loans: as low as 3–5% down
👉🏻FHA loans: 3.5% down (more flexible credit)
👉🏻VA loans: 0% down (for eligible veterans)
👉🏻Rural Development Loans: 0% down

✅You don’t always need 20%—but putting more down can lower your monthly payment.

✅Get Preapproved With a Local Lender
👉🏻Local lenders often:
👉🏻Close faster
👉🏻Communicate better with agents
👉🏻Strengthen your offer in competitive markets

If you have any questions on the Preapproval process, please drop a comment below or reach out to me directly, as I’m always happy to help.

12/19/2025

Here's your weekly look at the markets!

Enjoy this quick update on what's going on in the housing and financial markets.