Why is obtaining a pre-approval considered important in the mortgage application process? This will allow you to plan on what you can afford to purchase. It will also give you comfort and knowledge knowing that you have been approved for financing. Can getting a mortgage pre-approval have any impact on my credit score? Not really. If you shopped around to a large number of lenders it could have an effect. Dealing with a broker who pulls one credit check and can use that to shop the market, there is no effect. What is the most effective method to secure a mortgage pre-approval? Speak to a mortgage agent/broker. They have access to many lenders who have differing qualifying standards Is there an expiration period for mortgage pre-approvals? Usually 120 days but this can be renewed