Most buyers think getting pre-approved is a long, drawn-out process… but it doesn’t have to be. You can get a quick pre-approval, but the quality of that pre-approval is what really counts.

How Fast Can Pre-Approval Happen?

✔️ Online or automated pre-approval:

Just a few minutes — but it’s surface-level.

✔️ Full lender-reviewed pre-approval:

Usually a few hours to one business day, depending on how quickly documents are provided.

This second option is what gives you real confidence when shopping for a home.

Why the “Fastest” Pre-Approval Isn’t Always the Best

Agents and sellers take your offer more seriously when a human — not just a computer — reviews your:

• Income
• Credit
• Assets
• Debt
• Potential risk factors

A thorough pre-approval catches issues early and makes your offer stronger, your process smoother, and your closing faster.

You can get pre-approved quickly… but the strongest pre-approvals are the ones that actually verify your financial picture. That’s what gives you (and your agent) the confidence to write competitive offers.