Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Get Prequalified—Unless You Like Stress Sweats

Picture this: It’s Friday afternoon, and you just found your dream home. You’re already imagining yourself lounging on the back patio, sipping your morning coffee. The only problem? You don’t have a mortgage prequalification. No big deal, right? You’ll just apply on Friday night and have everything wrapped up by Monday morning when you plan to put in your offer.  🚨 Cue dramatic music 🚨  Not so fast! While some mortgage qualifications can be quick, others require time, patience, and a little thing called business hours—you know, the time frame when actual humans work.

Why Waiting Until the Last Minute is a Recipe for Panic

Let’s break it down:

1. Employment Verifications Aren’t Always Instant
   Your lender may need to verify your job status and income with your employer. But guess what? Most HR departments aren’t open on weekends, and if your employer is slow to respond, you could be waiting until next week for confirmation.
2. You Might Need Extra Documentation
   Your lender reviews your application and—uh oh!—they need additional bank statements, tax returns, or proof of that side hustle income. Scrambling to find paperwork at the last second is about as fun as looking for your car keys when you’re already late.
3. Not Every Loan is a Quick Approval
   If you have complex income, recent job changes, or credit challenges, your prequalification may take longer. Some loans require deeper underwriting before a lender can give you the green light.
4. Mortgage Professionals Are Humans, Not Vampires
   Contrary to popular belief, mortgage pros don’t operate 24/7 (even if they say they do).  If you apply on Friday at 11:30 PM, there’s a good chance your loan officer is asleep, watching Netflix, or enjoying a well-deserved weekend.  And no, they won’t magically appear at their desk on Saturday morning with your approval letter in hand.  Click HERE if you’re looking for a loan officer with Saturday hours.

The Smart Way to Get Prequalified

If you’re serious about buying a home, get prequalified before you start house hunting. Here’s how to do it right:

✅ Apply Early – Ideally, a few weeks before you plan to make an offer.  Or if you have concerns about money for closing or credit, maybe 5 months out. That way, you have time to resolve any hiccups.

✅ Have Your Docs Ready – Bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, and ID—keep them handy to speed up the process.

✅ Communicate with Your Loan Officer – Ask how long prequalification will take for your specific situation.  Be available to answer questions or fulfill document request your loan officer may have.

✅ Remember, Business Hours Exist – Applying at the last minute doesn’t create urgency for the lender—it just creates stress for you.

Final Thoughts: Avoid the Last-Minute Madness

A mortgage prequalification isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s your golden ticket to making a strong offer on a home. If you wait until the 11th hour, you’re risking delays, lost deals, and unnecessary stress. So do yourself (and your loan officer) a favor—plan ahead, get prequalified early, and leave the weekend panic for something more fun—like deciding what color to paint your new living room. 🎨 Click HERE to get an early start on your mortgage prequalification.