Short answer: To get pre-approved for a mortgage in Houston, pick a lender, submit an application with proof of your income, assets and debts, and let the lender check your credit. Most buyers get a pre-approval letter within 1 to 3 business days. That letter tells you how much you can borrow and shows sellers you're a serious buyer, which matters when you're making an offer.

Here's exactly how the process works, what documents to gather and how to give yourself the best chance of approval.

Pre-qualification vs. pre-approval: what's the difference?

• Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on what you tell the lender. There's usually no document review and sometimes no credit check. It's a good first step, but sellers don't give it much weight.
• Pre-approval means the lender has actually checked your credit and reviewed your documents. It's much stronger, and in Houston most sellers and listing agents expect to see a pre-approval letter with your offer.

Step 1: Check your credit

Your credit score affects which loans you qualify for and the interest rate you get. Get your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and check for mistakes before you apply.

General credit guidelines:

• FHA loans: A score of 580 or higher qualifies for 3.5% down. Scores from 500 to 579 may qualify with 10% down.
• Conventional loans: Since November 2025, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac no longer have a strict 620 minimum score. Lenders now look at your whole financial picture. Many lenders still set their own minimums, often around 620, so ask each lender what they require.
• VA loans: No official minimum from the VA, but most lenders look for around 580–620.

A higher score usually means a lower rate. Even a 20- to 40-point improvement can save you money every month.

Step 2: Know your debt-to-income ratio (DTI)

Your DTI is your total monthly debt payments (including your future mortgage) divided by your gross monthly income. Lenders typically look for a DTI around 43% or lower, although some loans allow more with strong credit or savings.

Example: If you earn $6,000 a month before taxes, 43% is $2,580 a month for all debts combined, including your new house payment, car loan, student loans and minimum credit card payments.

In Houston, remember that property taxes and homeowners insurance are part of your house payment, and both are higher here than in many parts of the country. A good lender will include them in your numbers.

Step 3: Gather your documents

Having these ready will speed things up:

• Pay stubs from the last 30 days
• W-2s from the last 2 years
• Federal tax returns from the last 2 years (especially if you're self-employed or earn commission)
• Bank statements from the last 2 months, all pages
• Statements for retirement and investment accounts
• Driver's license or other photo ID
• If self-employed: profit and loss statement and business tax returns
• If you're getting gift money for the down payment: a signed gift letter
• For VA loans: your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Step 4: Shop and compare lenders

Talk to at least 2 or 3 lenders, such as a local Houston mortgage company, a bank or credit union, and an online lender. Compare:

• Interest rate and APR
• Lender fees and estimated closing costs
• Whether they offer Texas down payment assistance programs
• How fast and responsive they are

Good news about credit checks: multiple mortgage credit checks within a short period (typically 14 to 45 days, depending on the scoring model) count as one inquiry for your score. So shopping around won't hurt your credit.

Tip: A local lender who closes loans in Houston every week knows the area's title companies, appraisers and timelines. That helps your offer look stronger to sellers.

Step 5: Apply and get your letter

Once you submit your application and documents, the lender will review everything and run your credit. If you're approved, you'll get a pre-approval letter that shows the loan amount and loan type. Most pre-approvals are good for about 60 to 90 days. If your home search takes longer, your lender can update it.

Step 6: Protect your pre-approval until closing

Between pre-approval and closing day, avoid anything that could change your credit or income:

• Don't open new credit cards or take out new loans (including car loans)
• Don't make large purchases on credit, like furniture or appliances
• Don't change jobs without talking to your lender first
• Don't make large cash deposits you can't document
• Keep paying all your bills on time

How much house can I afford after pre-approval?

Your pre-approval shows the most you can borrow, but that doesn't mean you should spend all of it. Look at the full monthly payment, including taxes, insurance and HOA dues, and make sure it fits your budget with room left over for savings. Read our guide on how much money you really need to buy a house in Houston for a full breakdown.

Ready to start looking?

Once you're pre-approved, you can shop with confidence. Search homes for sale in Houston, Pearland, Pasadena, Sugar Land and nearby cities and filter by your pre-approved price range. Need a lender recommendation? We work with trusted local lenders and are happy to connect you.

Loan guidelines change often and vary by lender. This article is general information, not financial advice. Talk with a licensed mortgage professional about your situation.