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Buying a Home

Guide to Mortgage Pre-Approval: Get Pre-Approved Today

Getting pre‑approved is the first—and most important—step in buying a home. This guide breaks down how mortgage pre‑approval works, what lenders look for, and how California buyers can get pre‑approved quickly and…

Brad & Karen MattonenBrad & Karen MattonenJanuary 18, 2026 · 1 min read

Ready to buy a home? It all starts with mortgage pre‑approval. In this video, Brad & Karen Mattonen walk you through the exact steps lenders use to determine your buying power—and how to get pre‑approved fast in today’s market.

You’ll learn:

  • What pre‑approval really means
  • The documents lenders require
  • How credit, income, and debt impact approval
  • How much you can afford in California
  • The difference between pre‑approval and pre‑qualification
  • How to avoid common mistakes that delay approval

Whether you’re a first‑time buyer or returning to the market, this guide gives you the clarity and confidence to start your homebuying journey the right way.

📘 Free resources: Free Real Estate Resources: eBooks, Checklists, Guides for Buyers and Sellers📞 858‑518‑2875 🌐 HomesInSDCounty | Big Block – LPT Realty

Brad & Karen Mattonen
Written byBrad & Karen Mattonen

Questions about this article or your own move? Call 858-518-2875 or send us a message and we will walk you through it.

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