Why pre-approval comes first
Most Fort Lauderdale listing agents want a pre-approval letter with every offer. Without one, your offer often isn’t taken seriously — especially when you’re up against cash buyers.
Not just the price you qualify for, but the full monthly cost here: HOA or condo fees, flood and windstorm insurance, and property taxes for the neighborhoods you like.
A credit issue, a missing document or a condo building that doesn’t meet loan guidelines is far easier to fix now than three weeks into a contract.
Good homes go fast. With your letter ready, you can write an offer the day you see the home, and Jim can tailor the letter to that exact offer.
Pre-qualified vs. pre-approved
| Pre-qualification | Pre-approval | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | What you tell the lender | Your application, credit and documents, reviewed by a loan officer |
| Credit | Often no credit pull | Credit is reviewed |
| How sellers see it | A rough estimate | A buyer who is ready to close |
| Best for | Just starting to look | Touring homes and writing offers |
How to get your pre-approval letter
Apply online
The secure application takes about 15 minutes. You’ll share your income, assets and the kind of home you’re looking for.
Send your documents
Jim’s team tells you exactly what’s needed, usually the items in the list below, and you upload them from your phone.
Jim reviews your file
Your credit, income and assets are reviewed, and Jim talks you through your options and what your monthly cost could look like with Fort Lauderdale HOA, insurance and taxes included.
Get your letter
You receive your pre-approval letter to share with Olga and include with offers. When you find the home, Jim updates the letter to match your offer.
What you’ll typically need
- Photo ID
- Recent pay stubs (30 days)
- W-2s for the last 2 years
- Tax returns if self-employed
- Bank statements (2 months)
- Retirement or investment statements
- Gift letter, if family is helping
- Explanation of any credit events
Self-employed, investor or buying from overseas? Jim also works with bank-statement, DSCR and foreign national programs — call to talk it through.
What’s different about buying here
Condos need their own approval. Many Fort Lauderdale condo buildings have to meet lender guidelines (reserves, inspections, insurance) before a loan can close. Jim checks the building early so you don’t find out late.
Insurance is part of the budget. Flood zones and windstorm coverage can change your monthly cost a lot from one street to the next. Getting a quote before you write an offer keeps the numbers honest.
HOA fees count. Lenders include HOA and condo fees when they figure what you qualify for, so Jim builds them in from the start.
Ready for your letter?
Start the secure application with Stairway Mortgage. It takes about 15 minutes.
Apply for your pre-approval letter