The Real Start of House-Hunting? Prequalification.

The search for a home often begins with open tabs of listings and weekend tours. But the real first step happens long before you walk through a front door: prequalification.

Many buyers begin with a price point in mind, only to learn that the mortgage process tells a different story. The homes they’ve been eyeing may be out of reach, or the monthly payment may not fit their comfort level. Prequalification replaces guesswork with clarity and a plan grounded in real numbers.

Why It Matters Early

Prequalification shapes the entire buying experience. It defines your budget, signals to sellers that you’re serious, and keeps your search focused. In Arizona, the AAR Pre-Qualification Form must accompany any financed offer; without it, most won’t be considered.

The strength of that prequalification matters as much as having one at all. The most reliable versions are based on actual documents: pay stubs, W-2s or 1099s, tax returns, and bank statements rather than verbal estimates. Verified information reassures sellers and helps prevent surprises once you’re under contract.

Access to Showings

Most agents, myself included, are happy to meet for an initial showing. After that first meeting, buyers are typically asked 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.

Documentation Creates Clarity

Timely, accurate prequalification depends on how quickly you provide the documents your lender requests. Submitting everything at once helps produce accurate figures and allows lenders to flag issues early. This most often includes a soft tri-merge credit pull, which gathers information from all three bureaus without affecting your score.

Chandler Kyle, a Loan Officer with Zillow Home Loans, said she starts by grounding expectations in documented numbers. “I usually try to find out what their expectations are for monthly payment and total cash to close,” she said, adding that doing so “helps make sure there are no unwelcome surprises.”

A Path for Every Buyer

Some buyers prequalify quickly; others benefit from starting earlier to organize documents, clarify debts, or confirm a comfortable payment range. For those who need time to build credit or savings, beginning months ahead can be meaningful. As Kyle explained, “Having six months to a year to work on it is much better than finding out a month before you want to purchase a home.”

Preparation often builds confidence as much as capacity. Paige Baker, Vice President and Regional Sales Director at Hunt Mortgage, said, “Some people think they can’t buy, and actually, they can. Giving them that confidence—that they’re in a good place—is huge.”

Even if you’re browsing casually, a document-based prequalification keeps expectations realistic. Kyle noted that buyers should be ready even early on, since “the perfect home could get listed… so knowing what range you should be shopping within is really important.”

Prequalification also centers comfort, not just qualification. Baker put it simply: “I ask what they pay now and what they’d be comfortable paying. It’s about finding a payment that fits their life, not just what they qualify for.”

What to Provide

A strong prequalification—one sellers trust—includes:
• Income: recent pay stubs, W-2s/1099s, and tax returns if self-employed
• Debts: credit cards, auto loans, student loans (even in deferment), child support or alimony
• Assets: bank statements and documentation for any gift funds
• Credit: approval for a soft tri-merge pull

When these pieces are in place, your prequalification becomes more than a letter. It becomes a credible snapshot of your financing—and a meaningful advantage when the right home comes along.

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. I can also provide referrals to additional reputable lenders, and clients are encouraged to consult their own bank or credit union to compare options. My objective is to ensure you have access to the financing solution that best meets your needs.