Buying a Home
Contrary to popular belief, getting prequalified for a loan is not a guarantee that you’ll actually be able to obtain a loan. When you get prequalified, lenders will only estimate your finances based on the information you provide.
On the other hand, getting preapproved for a loan requires a thorough investigation of your finances that includes the verification of your income, assets and credit rating. When you get preapproved for a loan, you are guaranteed that you’ll be able to obtain the loan, assuming your finances don’t change.
A preapproval will tell you exactly how much the bank is willing to lend you and specify the costs of obtaining the loan. Furthermore, getting preapproved will demonstrate to sellers that you’re a serious buyer who is ready and able to buy their home.
Mortgage loan limits for every U.S. county, as published by Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)