In The Real Estate Classroom - Jamie, teacher and real estate agent Jamie McKenty often reminds buyers that getting pre-approved for a mortgage is only the beginning.Staying financially qualified
Buyers, do this first before looking at houses
Dated: June 26 2026
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Buyers, do this first before looking at houses
In The Real Estate Classroom, teacher and real estate agent Jamie McKenty emphasizes one critical step that every buyer should take before they even begin looking at homes: getting pre-approved.
And she’s not referring to a rough estimate or an online calculator number that gives a general idea of affordability. True pre-approval goes much deeper than that.
A real pre-approval is when a lender fully reviews a buyer’s financial picture including income, debts, credit, current interest rates, and estimated taxes. To determine what monthly payment is realistically comfortable and sustainable.
According to McKenty, this is where many buyers gain their first real clarity.
Because there is often a significant difference between what someone can technically afford on paper and what they feel comfortable paying each month in real life. Pre-approval bridges that gap before emotion enters the decision-making process.
And that emotional clarity matters.
McKenty explains that she frequently sees buyers begin their home search without being fully pre-approved. They tour homes, fall in love with a property, and later realize that the monthly payment does not align with their financial comfort zone. By that point, the process becomes much more difficult and emotionally challenging.
Pre-approval also strengthens a buyer’s position in a competitive market. Sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously because it signals that financing is already in place and the buyer is prepared to move forward.
Another important point many buyers don’t realize is that they can speak with multiple lenders within a short period of time without negatively impacting their credit score each time. This allows buyers to compare options and choose a lender they trust and feel comfortable working with.
In TheRealEstateClassroom-Jamie , this step is always considered the foundation of a smart home search: understand the numbers first, then begin shopping for homes.
McKenty encourages anyone who is unsure where to begin to reach out for guidance. She can connect buyers with trusted local lenders who will clearly explain the process and help them understand their financial picture from the start.
Because when buyers truly understand their numbers, the entire home buying journey becomes clearer, more confident, and far less overwhelming.
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