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
What this article helps you decide
> In competitive the Eastside offers, a fully documented pre-approval is a negotiating article. Assemble the file once - especially the RSU/bonus documentation - and move the day you find the home.
Work through the decision in order
Article worksheet · browser private
Pre-Approval Readiness Checklist
Use the worksheet without a form. Keep your notes in this browser, then bring the live facts into a Real Estate Review if the decision still matters.
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's the difference between a pre-qual and a verified pre-approval?+
A pre-qual is a quick estimate off stated numbers; a verified (underwritten) pre-approval means a lender has actually reviewed your documents. In competitive offers the verified letter wins and the pre-qual loses — insist on the real thing.
Q2What documents do I need to assemble?+
Pay stubs, two years of W-2s, two years of returns, RSU vest history and grant docs, bonus history, offer letters if you changed jobs, and two months of asset statements. Gather these once and you can move the day you find the home.
Q3What most often delays tech buyers here?+
RSU and bonus documentation. It takes longer to compile and verify than a salaried file, so square it away before you're under time pressure — it's the difference between an offer-ready letter and a scramble.
Q4How much reserve do I need to show, not just spend?+
Enough to leave the required post-close reserve after down payment and costs (often 6–12 months PITI on jumbo). Document the source of your down payment too — unexplained large deposits slow underwriting.
Q5Does a pre-approval lock my rate or price?+
No. It establishes how much and on what terms you likely qualify; the rate is locked separately once you're under contract. Treat it as your green light to compete, not a rate guarantee.
Q6My file is mostly ready — what closes the gap?+
Usually the RSU/bonus history and asset sourcing. Finish those before touring so your pre-approval is fully underwritten and offer-ready.
Apply the article to the live decision.
Want to be offer-ready before touring? Let's build the checklist to your situation in a Real Estate Review.
Book a Real Estate ReviewNext steps
Keep moving forward
Client Feedback
What clients say about working with Aditya Kasturi on buying, selling, and short-term rental planning on Seattle's Eastside.
View guide ->Real Estate Review
Book a Real Estate Review with Aditya Kasturi to discuss your real estate goals, property options, and questions for your trusted advisors.
View guide ->100 Real Estate Articles. One Eastside Seattle Library.
Browse 100 Eastside Seattle real estate articles covering buying, financing, inspections, selling, investing, maintenance, neighborhoods, and tax-aware planning.
View guide ->Home Affordability Calculator
Stress-test a Eastside purchase price against income, debt, and reserves before a headline pre-approval sets expectations too high. Free article.
View guide ->Cash-to-Close & Reserves Planner
Plan every dollar you need at a the Eastside closing - plus the reserve you should keep after, fatter for an older home. Free article.
View guide ->Choosing the Right Lender Checklist
Pick a the Eastside lender who can actually close on jumbo and RSU income - with the questions that separate a pro from a rate quote. Free checklist.
View guide ->