Why It Matters
Why Get Pre-Approved Before You House Hunt?
A pre-approval is a stronger commitment than a quick pre-qualification. Your lender verifies your income, assets, employment, and credit, then issues a letter stating exactly how much you can borrow. That letter changes how you shop, how you negotiate, and how sellers see you.
When you know your number up front, you only tour homes that fit your budget, you avoid the heartbreak of falling for a house you cannot afford, and you can move fast when the right place appears. In a market where good homes in Burlington County often attract multiple offers, sellers and their agents take a pre-approved buyer far more seriously than one who is just browsing.
The best step is simple: get pre-approved with Michael Kenney at HMA Mortgage, then come to me with your budget and I will focus your search on the right homes. If that is not the right fit, I am happy to make an introduction to a lender who matches your situation.
Ready to Find Out How Much You Can Borrow?
Michael Kenney at HMA Mortgage can get you a pre-approval letter, often within 24 to 72 hours. Start your home search ready to buy.
Get Pre-Approved with Michael Kenney (HMA Mortgage)Your Checklist
What to Bring to Your Pre-Approval
Having these documents ready speeds up the process and helps you get the most accurate pre-approval letter. You typically need the last two years plus your most recent month.
Income Documentation
- Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
- W-2s or 1099s for the last two years
- Self-employment profit and loss statement
Tax Returns
- Complete federal tax returns for the last two years
- All schedules and attachments
- W-2, 1099, and paycheck document matching
Bank & Asset Statements
- All statements for the last two months
- Checking, savings, and investment accounts
- Documentation for gift funds if a family member is helping
Credit & Identification
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security number for the credit check
- Details on existing debts and monthly payments
The Process
How the Pre-Approval Process Works
Pre-approval is straightforward. Here is the step-by-step path from application to a letter that tells sellers you mean business.
Lender Review
You submit your application and documents to your lender. Michael Kenney at HMA Mortgage, or a lender I recommend, reviews your income, assets, and debts to understand your full financial picture before anything else happens.
Credit Check
The lender runs your credit report to confirm your score and review your debt-to-income ratio. This tells them how much of a monthly payment you can comfortably handle. A quick review of your credit now also lets you catch and fix any issues before they slow you down.
Pre-Approval Letter
Once everything verifies, the lender issues a pre-approval letter stating the loan amount you qualify for. This is the document that shows sellers you are a serious, ready-to-buy buyer. It is usually ready within 24 to 72 hours.
Ready to Search
You bring me your pre-approval and your budget, and we start touring homes that actually fit your number. With a pre-approval in hand, you can act quickly and write a competitive offer with confidence the moment the right home appears.
Estimate Your Payment
Mortgage Payment Calculator
Adjust the numbers below and your estimated monthly payment updates instantly in your browser. This tool is a rough planning estimate only, not an offer of credit.
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Principal + interest
Estimated total with taxes & insurance (PITI)
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Rough estimate based on a 1.25% annual property tax rate and $100/month homeowners insurance. Your actual taxes, insurance, and payment will vary. This is a planning estimate, not an offer of credit.
Ready to Buy?
Get Pre-Approved and Start Your Search Ready to Buy
A pre-approval gives you a clear budget, a stronger offer, and the confidence to move fast when the right home appears. Michael Kenney at HMA Mortgage can help you get there.