Pre-Approval Readiness Checklist
A verified pre-approval wins offers; a quick pre-qual loses them. Show up with the full file.
Financing and Mortgage
Direct answer
In competitive Washington offers, a fully documented pre-approval is a negotiating guide. Assemble the file once - especially the RSU/bonus documentation - and move the day you find the home.
Work through the decision in order
Income
pay stubs, 2 yrs W-2s, 2 yrs returns, RSU vest history + grants, bonus history, offer letters if job changed.
Assets
2 months statements, down-payment source, reserves after closing.
Credit & the ask
clear obvious errors; request a verified/underwritten pre-approval.
Your next move
Use the framework before the property creates urgency.
Bring the actual address, timing, financing assumptions, and open questions into a buyer strategy call before urgency takes over.
Decision guide · private in this browser
Pre-Approval Readiness Checklist
Work through the decision without a form. Your selections stay in this browser. Bring the live facts into a buyer strategy call when you are ready.
Questions about Pre-Approval Readiness Checklist
Clear answers first. If one question changes the deal, bring it into the review before you move money.
Q1What does the Pre-Approval Readiness Checklist help me decide?+
Your file is [X]% complete. The item that most delays Washington buyers is RSU/bonus documentation - square it away before time pressure.
Q2Does the Pre-Approval Readiness Checklist apply in Bellevue, Kirkland, and Seattle?+
Yes. The decision framework is shared across all three markets. Address-specific pricing, rules, schools, taxes, insurance, and property facts still need live verification.
Q3What information should I gather before using the Pre-Approval Readiness Checklist?+
Start with the live address, your timing, available cash, financing assumptions, and any property documents tied to the decision. Use only the inputs that apply to your situation.
Q4How current is the Pre-Approval Readiness Checklist?+
This guide was reviewed on July 31, 2026. Confirm live rates, rules, availability, costs, and property facts before you act.
Q5Is the Pre-Approval Readiness Checklist a substitute for professional advice?+
No. It is educational planning material, not a loan approval, inspection conclusion, appraisal, legal opinion, or tax conclusion.
Q6When should I bring the Pre-Approval Readiness Checklist result into a Real Estate Review?+
Bring it in when the result changes what you would buy, sell, repair, finance, or postpone. The review can pressure-test the live property and household plan.
Q7Can I use the Pre-Approval Readiness Checklist before speaking with a lender or inspector?+
Yes. Use it to organize questions first, then verify financing with a lender and condition findings with the appropriate property professionals.
Q8What is the next step after using the Pre-Approval Readiness Checklist?+
Mark the points that affect your decision, collect the missing facts, and book a Real Estate Review if you want to apply the framework to a specific property or move.
Make the next property decision with the facts in front of you.
Bring the address, timing, financing plan, and open questions. We will identify what to verify before you tour or write an offer.
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