The Real Start of House-Hunting? Prequalification.

The search for a home often starts with multiple open browser tabs of listings and a calendar full of showings. What many buyers don’t realize is that the real first step happens long before the front door: prequalification. 

Many buyers head into the buying process with a price point in mind, only to find the mortgage process tells a different story. Homes they’ve been eyeing may be out of reach, or the monthly payments could stretch their comfort level. Prequalification replaces guesswork with clarity, giving you real numbers to guide your search and a plan to move forward. 

Why It Matters From the Start 

Prequalification shapes every part of the homebuying journey. It clarifies what you can afford, signals to sellers that you’re serious, and keeps your search focused. Unless you’re prepared to pay with cash, the Arizona Association of REALTORS® requires an AAR standard Pre-Qualification Form with any financed offer. Without it, an offer is unlikely to be considered. This isn’t unique to Arizona; similar conventions are in place in most other states. 

Equally important is the quality of the prequalification. The strongest prequalifications are based on actual documents—pay stubs, W-2s or 1099s, tax returns, bank statements—rather than verbal estimates. Verified numbers give sellers and their agents greater confidence that the deal will close, and your offer reads stronger as a result

Gaining Access to Showings 

That assurance matters even before offers are on the table. Many buyer’s agents, me included, will happily meet a new client for an initial showing, but after that first meeting most agents will ask buyers to complete a prequalification before scheduling additional tours. It isn’t meant to be a barrier. It ensures that when the right home appears, you’re ready to act. 

Clarity Comes From Complete Documentation 

Timely prequalification depends on how promptly you provide the documents your lender requests. Submitting everything in full—rather than piecemeal or by memory—helps your lender produce accurate figures quickly. This process typically includes a soft credit pull, which doesn’t affect your score and often includes a full three-bureau report. It’s a simple way to spot issues early while protecting your credit. 

Chandler Kyle, a Loan Officer with Zillow Home Loans, said she anchors these early conversations by aligning expectations with documented numbers. “I usually try to find out what their expectations are as far as monthly payment and total cash to close… so it helps make sure that there are no unwelcome surprises.” 

The Prequalification Path 

Not every buyer follows the same path. Some can prequalify quickly and begin touring right away; others benefit from starting earlier to organize documents, clarify debts and obligations, and confirm a comfortable payment range. 

Paige Baker, Vice President and Regional Sales Director at Hunt Mortgage, noted that well-prepared buyers with stable income and savings often move through the process quickly. “For a client that’s going to put 50% down, has an 800 credit score… I don’t know that it’s necessary [to start a year out]. I think six months is a great mark to really dive in if you think there might be obstacles, but for some clients, we can prequalify very quickly.” 

For others, a longer runway can make a meaningful difference—especially when everything is documented rather than estimated. ZHL’s Kyle said, “If there is anything preventing you from being able to get pre-approved, having the time to work on it is really important… Having something like six months to a year to be able to build up your credit score… is much better than finding out… a month before you go to purchase a home.” 

Baker added that this preparation often builds confidence as much as capacity. “Some people think they can’t buy, and actually, they can. Just giving them that confidence—that they’re in a good place—is huge.” 

Even if you’re only browsing, a document-backed prequalification keeps expectations realistic. As Kyle explained, “even though your timeline might be a year out, there is always the potential that the perfect home could get listed… so knowing what range you should be shopping within… is really important.” 

Prequalification also reframes the conversation around comfort, not just capacity. “I don’t want a client to ever feel like they have to live, eat, breathe, sleep for their house,” Baker said. “I ask what they pay now, and what they’d be comfortable paying. It’s about finding a monthly payment that fits their life, not just what they qualify for.” 

Make Your Prequalification Strong: What to Provide 

A prequalification backed by documents reads stronger to sellers and their agents. To move quickly—and avoid “verbal only” gaps—have these ready: 

• Income: recent pay stubs and W-2s/1099s; tax returns if self-employed; contact info for employment verification if bonuses/commission/overtime apply. 

• Debts & obligations: monthly payments for credit cards, auto or student loans (including those in deferment), child support or alimony if applicable. 

• Assets & down payment: recent bank statements and a clear source for funds (including gift documentation if relevant). 

• Credit: approval for a soft tri-merge pull (three bureaus, no score impact) so the lender can identify issues early and quote accurately. 

When these boxes are checked, your prequalification isn’t just a letter—it’s a credible snapshot of your financing. That credibility can separate your offer in a competitive field. 

Prequalification gives buyers what they need most: clarity. It shows what’s possible right now and, if needed, offers a concrete path to get there. Whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth, a well-documented prequalification can shape your entire journey—and ensure that when you find the right home, you’re ready to move. 

Disclosure: Chandler Kyle of Zillow Home Loans and Paige Baker of Hunt Mortgage are among the trusted lenders I refer clients to. I am not compensated for these referrals.