Just Because You’re Pre-Approved Doesn’t Mean You Can Buy Any House

So, you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage—great! But here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: just because you are approved, doesn’t mean every house is.

Yep, the property needs to be approved too.  Lenders don’t just look at your income, credit, and debt levels—they also want to make sure the home you’re buying is in good condition and worth the price you’re paying. That means if the house doesn’t appraise well or has certain issues, your mortgage might not get the final green light.

I’ve had clients surprised by this. They think, “I’m pre-approved, so I’m good to go,” and then they fall in love with a house that ends up not being acceptable to the lender.  That’s why it’s important to always include conditions in your offer—especially a financing condition—so you’re protected if something comes up.

Moral of the story? Get pre-approved, but also make sure the house passes the test too. If you’re not sure what to look out for, that’s what I’m here for. Let’s talk before you make a move.