How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in 2026
Learn the steps, documents, and timeline for mortgage pre-approval in Virginia, Maryland & DC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does mortgage pre-approval take?
With complete documentation, most lenders issue a pre-approval letter within 1–3 business days. Loans with Nixon offers AI-powered instant pre-qualification, followed by full pre-approval within 24 hours.
How long is a pre-approval letter valid?
Most pre-approval letters are valid for 60 to 90 days. If you do not find a home within that window, you may need to update your documents and get re-approved.
Does getting pre-approved hurt my credit score?
A pre-approval results in a hard credit inquiry that may lower your score by a few points. However, if you shop with multiple lenders within a 14–45 day window, all inquiries count as one for scoring purposes.
Related Programs
- FHA Loans — 3.5% down payment, credit scores from 580, ideal for first-time home buyers
- VA Loans — Zero down payment for veterans, active-duty military, and surviving spouses
- Conventional Loans — Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, financing up to 97%, credit from 620
- Jumbo Loans — For properties exceeding 2026 conforming loan limits ($832,750 most counties)
- Non-QM Loans — Bank statement loans for self-employed, 1099 income, DSCR, and ITIN loans