How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Texas (2025 guide)

Quick Answer (Texas 2025)

• Check your credit score: Ensure your score meets the minimum requirements for the loan type you want, such as 620+ for a conventional loan or 500+ for a Texas FHA mortgage.

• Gather financial documents: Collect essential documentation to verify your income and assets, including pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s, and bank statements.

• Select a Texas-based lender and apply: Choose a mortgage broker that is licensed in Texas to compare options and submit a mortgage application (Form 1003) for a detailed financial check.

• Receive your pre-approval letter: Once approved, you will get a letter stating your maximum loan amount and estimated interest rate, which is typically valid for 90 days.

If you're planning to buy a home in Texas, whether you're relocating to Dallas, buying a starter home in San Antonio, or upsizing in Houston, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is your essential first step. In today’s competitive housing market, a mortgage pre-approval isn’t just helpful; it’s often required to make a serious offer.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the pre-approval process in Texas, what it is, how it works, what documents you’ll need, and how it helps you get ahead.

What is Mortgage Pre-Approval?

A mortgage pre-approval is a written statement from a mortgage lender indicating how much you may be eligible to borrow. Unlike a pre-qualification (which is often based on self-reported data), a pre-approval involves a detailed financial check, including your credit report, income, and debts.

A pre-approval letter can:

• Show sellers you’re a serious buyer who has been vetted

• Give you a realistic price range

• Speed up your loan processing once you’re under contract

Tip

Many real estate agents in Texas require a pre-approval letter before showing homes.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Texas

1. Check Your Credit Score

Lenders use your credit score to assess your risk as a borrower. The higher your score, the more likely you are to qualify for favorable terms.

You can check your credit score on your bank's mobile app or on free websites like Credit Karma or myFICO.com

Minimum Credit Scores By Loan Type

Loan Type	Minimum Credit Score
Conventional Loan	620+
FHA Loan	580 (with 3.5% down) or 500 (with 10% down)
VA Loan	No set minimum (lender discretion)
Jumbo Mortgage	700+

2. Gather Your Financial Documents

Lenders will request documentation to verify your income, assets, and debts. Common items include:

• Pay stubs (last 4 weeks)

• W-2s and/or tax returns (last 2 years)

• Bank statements (last 2 months)

• Driver’s license or government photo ID

If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to provide additional documentation, such as a profit-and-loss statement for the current year.

3. Choose the Right Mortgage Broker

Texas homebuyers have a variety of lending options, including conventional, jumbo, and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, as well as down payment assistance program (TSAHC). Working with mortgage brokers in Texas (like AsertaLoans) gives you access to a broader range of loan & rate options than going directly to lenders, as brokers partner with many wholesale lenders to give homebuyers an advantage.

As both a mortgage lender and mortgage broker in Texas, AsertaLoans helps you:

• Shop competitive rates

• Understand the pros and cons of each loan type

• Avoid unnecessary fees

• Match you with the best mortgage loans in Texas

Whether you're looking for a mortgage in Austin or El Paso, AsertaLoans serves all major Texas metros.

4. Apply for Pre-Approval

Once you've selected a broker or lender, it’s time to apply officially. You’ll fill out a mortgage application (Form 1003), either online or with assistance.

The lender will:

• Analyze your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio

• Review your employment and income history

• Estimate your loan amount and monthly payment

• Pull your credit report (either a hard or soft inquiry)

5. Receive Your Pre-Approval Letter

If your full financial profile meets underwriting guidelines, you’ll receive a pre-approval letter within 1-3 business days. This letter typically includes:

• The maximum loan amount you qualify for

• The maximum purchase price

• Loan type (e.g., FHA, conventional, etc.)

• Interest rate (estimated)

• Expiration date (usually 90 days)

You’re now ready to house hunt with confidence.

What Affects Your Pre-Approval Amount?

Several factors determine how much you’ll get pre-approved for:

Income

Higher income = higher buying power

Debt

Lower debt = more room for mortgage payments and higher buying power

Credit Score

Higher scores can unlock better rates

Loan Type

FHA loans may allow lower down payments

Down Payment

The more you put down, the lower your debt-to-income ratio will be.

If you’re targeting a Dallas mortgage loan, for instance, lenders may require higher income due to rising home values compared to other Texas markets.

Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Pre-Qualification	Pre-Approval
Credit Check	No (or soft pull)	Yes (hard or soft pull)
Documents Required	Minimal (usually verbal)	Full documentation
Reliability	Low	High
Seller Acceptance	Not usually accepted, especially for competitive homes	Often required in Texas markets

How Long is Mortgage Pre-Approval Good For?

Most pre-approval letters are valid for 90 days. If you haven’t found a home in that time, you’ll renew your pre-approval by speaking with your mortgage lender. At AsertaLoans, we make it easy to refresh your file when required; no need to start over from scratch.

Is It Hard to Get Pre-Approved in Texas?

Not at all. With the proper documentation and a clear financial picture, most borrowers can get pre-approved quickly. However, if you’ve had recent credit issues or unstable income, it might be more challenging.

Still, that’s why brokers like AsertaLoans exist. We’ll guide you toward the best-fit loan programs, whether you’re eyeing a Houston mortgage loan, an Austin mortgage loan, or a first-time buyer loan in San Antonio.

Can I Get Pre-Approved for an FHA Mortgage in Texas?

Yes. FHA loans are a popular choice for first-time buyers in Texas due to:

• Lower credit score requirements (580+)

• Down payments as low as 3.5%

• Flexible debt-to-income ratios with a 57% maximum.

We help you find the best FHA lenders in your area, whether you're in Dallas, Houston, or beyond.

What to Avoid After Getting Pre-Approved

Once you’re pre-approved, it’s essential to maintain financial stability. Avoid:

• Making large purchases (cars, furniture)

• Applying for new credit cards

• Changing jobs

• Missing bill payments

Any of these could jeopardize your final loan approval.

Local Tip: Competitive Texas Markets Require Speed

In hot markets like Austin, Houston, or Dallas, homes can go under contract in a matter of days. Without a pre-approval letter, you may miss out.

Why Work with a Mortgage Broker in Texas?

Unlike banks, brokers work for you, not just one lender. When you partner with AsertaLoans, you benefit from:

• A wider pool of loan options

• Personalized advice

• Competitive interest rates

• Faster turnaround times

• Local market knowledge in Texas

We serve buyers across all of Texas, ensuring a stress free homebuying process.

FAQs

What Documents Do I Need To Get Pre-Approved?

You’ll need income statements, bank records, ID, credit authorization, and proof of assets.

How Long Does The Process Take?

Pre-approvals usually take 1–3 business days if you have all your documents ready.

Can I Still Get Pre-Approved If I’m Self-Employed?

Yes, but you’ll need to show consistent income, usually via two years of tax returns.

What’s The Difference Between A Texas FHA mortgage and A Conventional Loan?

FHA loans are government-backed, require lower down payments, and are ideal for lower credit scores. Conventional loans are best for well-qualified buyers.

Take the First Step with AsertaLoans

Getting pre-approved is the most innovative way to begin your homebuying journey in Texas. It gives you clarity, power, and peace of mind. At AsertaLoans, we’re here to simplify the mortgage process and match you with the best loan for your needs.

Whether you’re moving to Dallas or refinancing in Houston, our expert team of mortgage brokers is ready to help.

Start your pre-approval today at www.asertaloans.com and take one step closer to your new home.