10/29/2026
A pre-approval means you're in a strong position to shop. It doesn't mean the finish line is behind you.
Something I didn't mention in the video: your lender will check parts of your file again before closing, not just once at the beginning. Employment is often reverified close to closing day, and credit can be reviewed again too. That means the weeks between pre-approval and closing matter just as much as the work you did to get there.
A few things that keep your file steady during that time. Stay at your job, or talk to your lender before any change. Keep your pay stubs and bank statements handy, because updated versions are usually requested. Avoid large cash deposits you can't document, since every dollar used for your down payment needs a paper trail. And check the date on your letter, because pre-approvals don't last forever.
Think of your pre-approval as a green light to start looking, not a promise that nothing else will be asked of you. Buyers who know that ahead of time stay calm when the next document request shows up.
Send this to someone who just got pre-approved and is about to start house hunting.