Most buyers think pre-qualification and pre-approval are basically the same thing. They're not — and in a competitive market like Seattle, that distinction can be the difference between winning the house and losing it. In this episode, Scott breaks down exactly what pre-approval means, what the process actually looks like, and what to avoid between getting approved and getting to the closing table.

What you'll learn:

• The real difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval (and why it matters to sellers)
• What a conditional approval is and why it's the strongest position you can be in
• Every document you'll need to gather before you apply
• How to shop multiple lenders without hurting your credit score
• What not to do between pre-approval and closing — and why even one mistake can unravel the deal

Next episode: Down Payments Demystified — You Don't Need 20%

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