Taking out a mortgage can be an exciting time, especially for first-time homebuyers. However, all the steps involved can also make the process time-consuming. If you’re in the market for a home loan, it’s likely you’ve heard the terms “prequalification” and “preapproval” tossed around in conversation, on the web, or in advertisements from lenders.
While these two concepts are related, they refer to entirely different stages within the mortgage process. Yet many borrowers may think both words mean the same thing, especially if they haven’t encountered such terms before. It’s important to understand exactly what each refers to, as both are a way to streamline the steps it takes to get a mortgage. Here’s a primer on mortgage prequalification vs. preapproval to ensure your homebuying process is a smooth as possible.