Mortgage Pre-Approval

in Austin, TX

In Austin’s competitive market, a professional pre-approval is an essential tool that provides the confidence to shop and the credibility sellers demand. With 18 years of local experience, I provide the rapid, accurate assessments necessary to ensure your offers stand out and your financing is secure.

Schedule a Consultation

Get Pre-Qualified

Why Pre-Approval Is Your First Step

Some buyers think they should find a house first and figure out financing later. That's backwards, especially in a market like Austin.

Sellers Take You Seriously

A pre-approval letter shows sellers you're a qualified buyer, not just someone browsing listings. In multiple-offer situations, it can be the difference between winning and losing.

You Know Your Real Budget

Pre-approval tells you exactly how much you can borrow and what your monthly payment will look like. No more guessing. No more falling in love with homes you can't afford.

You Can Move Fast

When you find the right home, you need to act quickly. With a pre-approval in hand, you're ready to submit an offer immediately. No delays while you scramble to get qualified.

You Catch Problems Early

If there are credit issues, documentation gaps, or other challenges, we find them during pre-approval, not when you're under contract with a deadline looming.

Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval:

What's the Difference?

While often used interchangeably, pre-qualification is a preliminary conversation, whereas pre-approval is a firm commitment. For a serious home search, a formal pre-approval provides the essential leverage needed to secure your purchase.

Pre-Qualification

A quick, informal estimate based on information you provide. I don't verify anything. It gives you a ballpark idea of what you might afford, but it doesn't carry much weight with sellers.

Pre-Approval

A thorough review where I verify your income, assets, and credit. You complete an application, provide documentation, and I issue a letter confirming what you're approved to borrow. This is what sellers want to see.

Get Pre-Approved

Documents for Pre-Approval

To move forward with your pre-approval, I will need a few standard documents to review your financial profile.

If you don't have everything ready, simply send what is available, and we will work together to complete the remaining steps.

Income Documentation

Pay stubs (most recent 30 days)
W-2s (past 2 years)
If self-employed: tax returns (past 2 years) and year-to-date profit and loss statement

Identification

Driver's license or government-issued ID
Social Security number (for credit check)

Asset Documentation

Bank statements (most recent 2 months, all pages)
Retirement or investment account statements (if using for reserves or down payment)

How Pre-Approval Works: Step by Step

Step 1: Quick Conversation

Call, text, or schedule a time. We'll spend 10-15 minutes discussing your goals, timeline, and any questions you have. I'll explain the process and what to expect.

Step 2: Application and Documents

You'll complete a simple application (online or via email) and send me the documents from the checklist above. Most people finish this in 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Review and Verification

I'll pull your credit, review your income and assets, and confirm what you qualify for. I'll also identify the best loan programs for your situation.

Step 4: Receive Your Pre-Approval Letter

Once everything checks out, I'll issue your pre-approval letter. You'll know exactly what you can afford and be ready to shop with confidence.

Timeline: For most borrowers, I can issue a pre-approval within 24-48 hours of receiving complete documentation. If you're responsive and organized, it often goes even faster.

Start the Process

How Quickly Can You Get

Pre-Approved?

My standard turnaround: 24-48 hours from when I have your complete documentation. If you have an urgent situation, like you've found a home and need to make an offer right away, let me know. I'll do everything I can to expedite.

The key to speed: Be responsive. The faster you get me complete documents, the faster I can get you the letter. Ready to get started? Reach out and let's move quickly.

Get Pre-Approved Now

Go House Hunting

Work with your real estate agent to tour homes within your budget. You'll shop with confidence knowing exactly what you can afford.

Don't have an agent yet? I'm happy to recommend agents I trust.

Make Strong Offers

When you find the right home, include your pre-approval letter with your offer. It tells the seller you're serious and qualified.

Stay in Touch

Keep me updated on your search. When you go under contract, we'll shift into full processing mode and move toward closing.

Protect Your Approval

While you're shopping, avoid anything that could impact your credit or financial picture:

Don't open new credit accounts
Don't make large purchases (cars, furniture, appliances)
Don't change jobs if you can help it
Don't move large sums of money between accounts without documentation

Keep everything stable until you close. If something does change, let me know right away so we can address it.

How Buying Your First Home Works: Step by Step

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved

Before you start looking at houses, we'll have a conversation about your goals, finances, and timeline. I'll review your income, assets, and credit, then issue a pre-approval letter that tells you (and sellers) exactly what you can afford.

What you'll know: Your maximum purchase price, estimated monthly payment, and which loan programs fit your situation.

How long it takes: Usually 24-48 hours once I have your documents.

Step 2: Understand Your True Budget

While a pre-approval reflects your maximum borrowing capacity, it should not dictate your total budget. I help you navigate the full costs of homeownership to ensure your monthly payment aligns with your actual lifestyle and financial comfort.

Principal and interest (your actual loan payment)

Property taxes (these vary significantly in Texas)

Homeowners insurance

Private mortgage insurance or PMI (if your down payment is below 20%)

HOA fees (if applicable)

Step 3: Shop for Your Home

This is the fun part. Work with a real estate agent to tour homes in your budget. Your pre-approval letter shows sellers you're a serious, qualified buyer.

Don't have an agent yet? I'm happy to recommend a few I trust.

Step 4: Make an Offer

When you find the right home, your agent will help you structure and submit an offer. If accepted, you'll go "under contract" and the countdown to closing begins.

Step 5: Underwriting and Final Approval

Your loan file goes through underwriting, which is a detailed review to confirm everything checks out. I'll keep you updated on progress and let you know if any additional documents are needed.

My job here is to track every detail so nothing falls through the cracks.

Step 6: Closing Day

You'll sign final documents, the loan will fund, and you'll get the keys to your new home. The whole signing process usually takes 30-60 minutes.

I'll prepare you in advance so you know exactly what you're signing.

Ready to Start With Step 1?

Pre-Approval Questions I Hear Often

Does getting pre-approved hurt my credit score?

Pre-approval involves a credit check, which may cause a small, temporary dip in your score. But within 45 days, multiple mortgage inquiries are typically treated as a single inquiry, so you can shop around without major impact. Don't let this concern stop you from getting started.

How long is a pre-approval valid?

Most pre-approvals are good for 60-90 days. If yours expires before you find a home, we can update it, assuming your situation hasn't changed significantly. Reach out when you're getting close to expiration and we'll handle it.

What if something changes after I'm pre-approved?

Let me know immediately. Job changes, large purchases, new credit accounts, or changes to your financial situation can affect your approval. The sooner I know, the sooner we can address it.

Can I get pre-approved if I'm self-employed?

Absolutely. Self-employed borrowers just need different documentation, typically 2 years of tax returns. I work with business owners, freelancers, and contractors regularly. Let's talk through your situation.

What if I'm not sure I'm ready to buy?

A pre-approval conversation doesn't obligate you to do anything. If you're curious where you stand, let's talk. I'll give you an honest assessment and help you understand what it would take to get ready.

Can I get pre-approved before I have a real estate agent?

Yes, and I recommend it. Knowing what you can afford helps you shop smarter, and having a pre-approval letter ready makes your offers more competitive from day one.

What Clients Say

Don't Just Take My Word For It

When applying for a home loan it's a time consuming and stressful ordeal - but having "Supreme Lending" and "Loan Officer - Gary Caples" on your side really can make the process a much easier and less stressful business transaction.

Carl and April Kearney

Gary Caples, My Mortgage Consultant was very patient and tireless in his mission to get my loan underway. Always there to answer a question and kept me informed about the process and the timelines.

Jeremy Johnson

“After moving to Austin from Los Angles, we were job hunting and planning to get married. During a very stressful time in our lives, Gary’s expertise, hard work and patience with us made our home buying experience very smooth and positive.”

Andy Molloy

Ready to Get Started?

The first step is simple: a conversation. We'll talk about your goals, We'll answer your questions, and we'll figure out the best path forward. No obligation. No pressure. Just honest guidance.