Online Pre-Qualification
Get Prequalified for a Mortgage Online
Answer three short sets of questions and a licensed advisor will match you with loan programs that fit, whether conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo or non-QM. It takes about two minutes, involves no hard credit pull, and puts you on track to shop with confidence.
Three quick steps
Start with the home you have in mind
The form below asks about property type, rough purchase details, and your credit and employment picture. Estimates are fine — nothing you enter is locked in. Online pre-qualification is designed for single-family and primary-residence purchases; buying a rental or multi-unit property may fit our investment property financing instead.
Know the difference
Pre-qualification vs. pre-approval
The two terms get used interchangeably, but sellers and agents treat them differently.
| Pre-qualification | Pre-approval | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Information you share about income, assets and credit | Verified documents and a credit review |
| Credit check | No hard credit pull to start | Credit is reviewed as part of underwriting |
| Timing | Often the same day | Decisions in as little as 24 hours once documents are in |
| Best for | Setting a realistic budget early | Making a competitive offer on a home |
Neither is a commitment to lend. Final approval depends on full underwriting, verification of income and assets, and an appraisal.
Be ready
What you'll want on hand
You won't need any of this to submit the form, but gathering it now speeds up the move to a full pre-approval.
- Recent pay stubs and two years of W-2s, or tax returns if you are self-employed
- Two to three months of bank and investment account statements
- A government-issued photo ID
- Details on monthly debts such as car loans, student loans and credit cards
- Your VA Certificate of Eligibility if you plan to use a VA loan
- Information on any gift funds going toward your down payment
The complete mortgage document checklist breaks this down by loan type and income source.
What comes next
After you hit submit
Your answers are reviewed
A licensed loan officer looks over your property type, budget, credit range and timeline.
We reach out
Expect contact within two business hours on weekdays to talk through programs that may fit.
You receive a letter
When the numbers line up, a pre-qualification letter can be issued so you can start touring homes.
Upgrade to pre-approval
Upload documents for a credit and income review. Same-day pre-approvals are available for many files, and the process timeline shows each stage through closing.
Options worth knowing
Programs that open more doors
Low or no down payment
VA and USDA loans allow 0% down for eligible buyers, and FHA typically requires as little as 3.5% with qualifying credit.
Self-employed income
Bank-statement and DSCR options through our specialized mortgage programs can qualify borrowers without relying on tax returns.
Higher price points
Homes above conforming limits may call for a jumbo loan, which we can evaluate alongside conventional choices.
Pre-qualification questions
Common questions about getting prequalified
Will pre-qualifying lower my credit score?
No. Starting the process involves no hard credit pull. A credit review only happens later if you choose to move forward with a full pre-approval.
How long is a pre-qualification letter good for?
It reflects your situation on the day it is issued. If income, debts or savings change, or several months pass, we will refresh the numbers before you make an offer.
What credit score do I need to pre-qualify?
There is no single cutoff. Requirements generally vary by program, and options exist for buyers who are still building credit. Choose "I'm not sure" on the form if you don't know your range.
Can I pre-qualify if I'm buying a condo or townhome?
Yes. Condominiums, townhomes and single-family homes can all be selected on the form, as long as the property will be your primary residence.
Am I obligated to get my loan through you?
Not at all. Pre-qualification is free and carries no commitment. It simply gives you a clearer picture of your options and budget.
I'd rather talk to a person. Is that possible?
Absolutely. Call or text 931-205-9873 to speak directly with Sterling Smith, or use our contact page to send a message.
Important disclosure
The Smith Mortgage Group, Powered by FCM, a division of First Community Mortgage, Inc. (NMLS #629700). Sterling Smith, NMLS #1726806. 605 Delray Street, Shelbyville, TN 37160. Pre-qualification is not a commitment to lend; approval is subject to underwriting, credit review, income and asset verification, and appraisal. Rates, terms and program availability may change without notice. Equal Housing Lender.
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Ready to talk through your options?
Get a free, no-obligation consultation with Sterling Smith: clear answers, a side-by-side look at the programs you qualify for, and a plan built around your budget.