If you're just starting your home‑buying journey, mortgage pre‑qualification is often the first step. It’s quick, simple, and gives you a general idea of how much you may be able to borrow — long before you begin touring homes or speaking with multiple lenders. For first‑time homebuyers, pre‑qualification is a low‑pressure way to understand your affordability and prepare for the next steps. What Is Mortgage Pre‑Qualification? Mortgage pre‑qualification is an informal estima