See why realtors insist on a mortgage pre-approval before showing homes — and how it strengthens your position as a buyer in Ontario’s competitive market. 👇

1️⃣ It Proves You’re a Serious Buyer

Realtors deal with a lot of “window shoppers” who book showings without the financial readiness to buy. 

A pre-approval shows commitment, credibility, and preparedness — making you a prioritized client instead of a casual browser.

2️⃣ It Confirms What You Can Actually Afford

Most people guess their buying power. 

But real affordability can be much lower once lenders factor in:

• credit card balances 

• car loans 

• lines of credit 

• alimony or child support 

• high condo fees 

A pre-approval ensures you search only within your true budget.

3️⃣ It Uncovers Credit Issues Early

Many buyers are unaware of errors or negative items on their credit reports. 

A pre-approval uncovers:

• collections 

• unpaid bills 

• incorrect reporting 

• duplicate accounts 

• credit belonging to someone with a similar name 

These issues take time to fix — don’t wait until after you make an offer.

4️⃣ It Confirms Income Meets Mortgage Rules

Income type matters as much as income amount. 

A pre-approval reviews:

• salary vs. hourly 

• overtime (requires a 2-year history) 

• commissions (2-year average) 

• bonuses 

• self-employed income 

This ensures your income aligns with lender requirements before you shop.

5️⃣ It Gives You Stronger Negotiating Power

In competitive markets, sellers prefer pre-approved buyers because they:

• close faster 

• pose less risk 

• require fewer conditions 

• are more reliable 

Realtors also protect their professional reputation — submitting offers that can collapse due to financing reflects poorly on them. 

Your pre-approval gives your offer weight and credibility, especially in bidding situations.

💬 Final Thought

A strong pre-approval is the foundation of a confident home search. It eliminates surprises, strengthens your buying position, and ensures you’re ready to move quickly when the right property appears.

If you’d like us to secure a lender-verified pre-approval before you start viewing homes, send The Frontline Mortgage Group a message anytime.