Pre-approval doesn’t have to take forever — but not all pre-approvals carry the same weight. In a fast-moving Austin market, speed matters, but certainty matters more.

Pre-Approval Timing in Central Texas

Here’s what buyers can typically expect:

• Automated / online pre-approval:
  Minutes — fast, but surface-level
• Full lender-reviewed pre-approval:
  Same day to 24 hours once documents are provided
• TBD underwrite (strongest option):
  24–48 hours with deeper upfront review

That last option takes a little longer, but it’s often the most powerful when competing for a home.

Why Austin-Area Sellers Care

In Central Texas, sellers and listing agents pay close attention to the quality of your pre-approval because:

• Competition remains strong in Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Leander
• Homes often receive offers quickly after hitting the market
• Many buyers submit offers within hours of a listing going live
• Sellers want certainty — not surprises mid-contract

A fully reviewed pre-approval tells sellers your financing is solid and ready to move forward.

Pre-approval can be fast — but the strongest approvals are the ones that actually verify your numbers. In a competitive Austin market, that extra step can be the difference between winning and losing the home.

If you want help choosing the right level of pre-approval for your situation, I’m happy to walk you through it.