10 Questions to Ask Your Lender Before Getting Pre-Approved for a Home Loan

(Because walking into a mortgage blind is a terrible idea.)

Getting pre-approved is more than just checking boxes — it’s choosing who you want in your financial corner for one of the biggest purchases of your life.
Before you hand over your tax returns and let someone poke through your financials, here are the 10 questions you need to ask.

1. What loan programs do you offer and which ones make the most sense for me?

There’s no one-size-fits-all mortgage. VA, FHA, Conventional, USDA, Down Payment Assistance, each has different benefits, credit requirements, and down payment options.
👉 A good lender won’t just offer programs; they’ll recommend one based on your goals, budget, and timeline.

2. What interest rate do I qualify for and what determines it?

Interest rates change daily (sometimes hourly). Your credit, debt-to-income ratio, and down payment can all impact your rate.
👉 Ask for an explanation of how you can influence your rate and whether it’s a locked or floating rate.

3. What are your fees and can you give me a loan estimate?

Lenders all charge differently. Some have origination fees, underwriting fees, processing fees, the list goes on.
👉 Ask for a Loan Estimate (LE) early on so you can compare apples to apples with other lenders. Transparency is non-negotiable.

4. What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

This is the moment of truth. If your lender stumbles here, run.
👉 Pre-qualification = surface-level estimate.
👉 Pre-approval = verified financial review with documentation.
Only one means you’re ready to write a serious offer.

5. How much should I actually borrow?

Just because you can qualify for $800,000 doesn’t mean you should.
👉 Ask your lender what your payment looks like at different price points and whether that includes taxes, insurance, or HOA fees.
Your comfort level should guide your budget, not your maximum limit.

6. How long does the pre-approval process take and how long does it last?

Typically, pre-approval takes 1–3 business days once you’ve provided all documents.
👉 Ask how long it’s valid for (usually 60–90 days) and what happens if your search goes longer. A proactive lender will help you update it easily.

7. What documents will you need from me and when?

This tells you how organized your lender is.
👉 Expect to provide: pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, bank statements, ID, and possibly proof of additional income.
If they can’t give you a clear list upfront, that’s a red flag.

8. Who will be my main point of contact and how do you communicate?

Some lenders have a whole team; others are one-person powerhouses.
👉 Ask whether you’ll be working directly with your loan officer, a processor, or an assistant and if they communicate by phone, text, or email.
This matters when deadlines hit and you need real-time answers.

9. What’s your average closing timeline and how do you handle hiccups?

Delays kill deals. You want a lender who closes when they say they will.
👉 Ask how long their average closings take and how they manage appraisals, underwriting, or last-minute conditions.
A good lender anticipates problems, they don’t react to them.

10. Can I get a rate lock and when should I do it?

Rates fluctuate, and locking protects you from increases while you’re under contract.
👉 Ask how long the lock lasts, what it costs, and if they offer a “float-down” option (where you can snag a lower rate if the market improves).

Bonus Tip:

Ask them this one too “If you were buying a home today, which loan would you choose and why?”
How they answer will tell you everything about their confidence, honesty, and how much they understand the market.

Final Thought:

Choosing a lender isn’t about who has the lowest rate on paper, it’s about who has your back when things get complicated.
Because they will get complicated.

And if you want my list of trusted local Kitsap lenders, the ones who actually pick up the phone and close deals on time, reach out. I’ll connect you with someone who’ll make this process as smooth as possible.