Quick answer
Yes, once you’re serious about touring homes. As Christopher puts it, nobody wants to fall in love with a house they can’t afford. A pre-approval shows you a realistic price range first, and your letter can help when you make an offer. If you’re only curious or months away, a quick prequalification may be enough for now. Browsing online is free, so look all you like.
Rules on this page were checked on against Valor Mortgage’s first-home guide. Program terms are subject to agency and lender guidelines and may change, and individual lenders can set stricter rules.
Before you start touring homes
Transcript: All right, so if you're new to home buying or home shopping, my recommendation would be not to go look at homes until you've been pre-approved. The logic to this is nobody wants to fall in love with a house and then not be able to afford the house. So if you have an idea as to what you can afford and what might be possible, then your emotions don't get ahead of you and your pocketbook follow behind. This way, your pocketbook goes ahead of you and your emotions can keep up with your pocketbook.
What does a pre-approval tell you?
- Your price range, based on your documents rather than an online estimate.
- Your likely loan type, and what you may need for a down payment and closing costs.
- Any problems early, such as a credit error, while you still have time to work on it.
It also helps you tell the difference between what you can qualify for and what you are comfortable paying. As Christopher says in his payment video, the bigger question is often the most you’re comfortable paying, not the most house you can buy.
Lender or real estate agent first?
Christopher suggests talking with a lender first, so you and your agent start out knowing what’s possible. Some agents will ask for a letter before showing homes. It’s your choice who you talk to first, and it’s fine to have both conversations in the same week. Whichever comes first, knowing your numbers early can save you some disappointment.
What if you aren’t ready yet?
| Where you are | A sensible next step |
|---|---|
| Just curious, or a year or more out | Build a plan, starting with a conversation |
| A few months out | A prequalification, then gather documents |
| Ready to tour homes | A full pre-approval |
| Already found a home | Call right away, since your offer may depend on it |
General suggestions. Your situation may call for a different order.
Should you shop at the top of your range?
You don’t have to. Your letter shows what a lender may approve, not what you have to spend. Decide on a payment that’s comfortable first, and leave room for repairs and savings.
Does a letter mean you’re approved?
No. A pre-approval is not a commitment to lend. The home still has to appraise, and underwriting checks your file again before closing. After you get one, avoid the moves that can throw it off, such as financing furniture or a car.
More from Christopher on this
Talk to a lender before you tour homes
You want to know a little secret, one that can save you a lot of heartache, is talking to a lender first and then talking to your real estate agent, so that you understand what you can afford. You can avoid a lot of heartache if you actually knew what's possible and what's not possible. So if you want to buy with confidence, buy with Valor.
Choosing an agent and a lender are both your decision, and you can choose them in either order.
One thing to do before house hunting
House hunting without pre-approval is like shopping without knowing your budget. Let's get you ready to buy with confidence.
Before you tour FAQ
Can you look at houses without a pre-approval?
You can browse online and go to open houses. Some agents or sellers may want a letter before a private showing or an offer, so ask your agent.
Can I rely on an online estimate instead?
It’s a useful starting point, but it can’t see your actual credit, program or costs. See why your real payment may differ from Zillow.
Will getting pre-approved hurt my credit?
A preapproval typically involves a credit check. The CFPB says you can shop around and get multiple preapprovals. It warns separately that applying for new credit before a mortgage can lower your scores.
Where these rules come from
| Rule or figure | Source | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Preapproval and shopping lenders | CFPB, what happens when a lender checks your credit | Nov 5, 2026 |
| Pre-approval steps | Valor Mortgage first-home guide | Updated Oct 26, 2026 |
Related answers and guides
- What’s the difference between prequalification and preapproval?
- How long does it take to get pre-approved?
- Why is your real payment different from Zillow?
- More answers on getting pre-approved.
- About Christopher Armantrout.
Call me at (615) 671-9178. That’s the fastest way to get a straight answer on what you’d qualify for and your real price range before you tour.
If it’s after hours, grab a time on my calendar. Pick a slot that works and I’ll call you then.
If your life is too chaotic for a phone call right now — I understand — start an application and I’ll review it and reach out with a plan.
Valor Mortgage, LLC · Christopher Armantrout, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1210804 · Valor Mortgage, LLC is powered by Encore Lending Group, LLC, NMLS #1249911 · Licensed in Tennessee · Equal Housing Opportunity
724 S Main St, Springfield, TN 37172 · (615) 671-9178 · christopher@valor.mortgage · NMLS Consumer Access
The dollar figures on this page are illustrative examples for general information only and are not an offer, a rate quote, or a commitment to lend. Actual interest rates and APRs vary based on loan program, borrower qualifications, property, market conditions and other factors. Program fees, limits and terms are set by the agencies named above and change without notice; all loans are subject to credit approval, income verification and property appraisal. Not all applicants will qualify.