Pre-Approval Letter
Real estate · Reinvent NY glossary
A mortgage pre-approval letter is a document from a lender stating the maximum loan amount a buyer qualifies for, based on a preliminary review of credit score, income, assets, and debt. Pre-approval is essential before house hunting — most sellers and listing agents will not accept offers without one. The letter typically shows the approved loan amount, interest rate range, and loan type. Pre-approval is valid for 60-90 days. For foreign buyers without US credit history, obtaining pre-approval is more challenging and may require a Foreign National Loan program.
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