Buying
Pre-qualified vs. pre-approved: what sellers actually look at
A pre-qualification is a guess. A pre-approval means someone checked. Here is the difference, and why it matters when you make an offer.
· 1 min read
Home loans, explained like a person would
Clear answers and fast pre-approvals for first-time and move-up buyers.
Loan options
Tell us about your plans and we’ll follow up with clear options and a rate quote. No cost, no obligation.
- Replies the same business day
- Serving North and South Carolina
- Pre-approvalUsually 1 business dayKnow your budget before you shop. A real letter, reviewed by a loan officer.Free estimateGet a rate quote for Pre-approval
- Purchase loan21 to 30 days to closeConventional loans with as little as 3% down for qualified buyers.Get a rate quote for Purchase loan
- Refinance1 call to reviewLower your rate, shorten your term or take cash out. We show the break-even math.Get a rate quote for Refinance
- FHA loan25 to 35 daysLower down payment and more flexible credit guidelines.Get a rate quote for FHA loan
- VA loan30 to 40 daysFor veterans and service members: $0 down options and no monthly mortgage insurance.Get a rate quote for VA loan
- First-time buyer programFree consultDown payment assistance options in NC and SC, plus a plain-English walkthrough.Get a rate quote for First-time buyer program
Estimate your payment
Try a price, down payment and rate to see a ballpark monthly payment. Then get pre-approved for real numbers.
- Loan amount
- $360,000
- Principal & interest
- $2,275.44
- Term
- 30 years at 6.5%
Estimate only. Not a loan offer. Rates and terms vary. Doesn't include mortgage insurance or HOA dues.
Latest from the blog
All posts
Buying
How much house can I afford? A simple way to think about it
Start with the monthly payment you are comfortable with, not the biggest number a lender will approve.
· 1 min read
Refinancing
Is it time to refinance? Run the break-even math first
Divide your closing costs by your monthly savings. That is how many months it takes to come out ahead.
· 1 min read
Rate watch, every other Friday
Where rates are, what moved them and whether it matters for you. Short, no spam.
We explain every number, send a pre-approval letter you can actually use, and answer the phone after 5.
Harbor Lane Mortgage is a sample lender for StellaBase demos, not a real company. The NMLS IDs shown here are placeholders.
What clients say
“Pre-approved in a day and closed early. Nina explained everything.”
The Chens “Best rate we found and no surprises at closing.”
Robert P. “First-time buyer and terrified of the paperwork. They walked me through every page.”
Alicia M.
Get in touch
- Address
- 500 Sample St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Get directions
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We usually reply the same day.