Get pre-approved before you start touring homes.
In San Diego’s market, a strong offer starts with a pre-approval letter, not the other way around. Here’s why it matters and how fast we can get you there.
Pre-approval isn’t a formality here — it’s what gets your offer looked at.
San Diego sellers routinely field multiple offers within days of listing. Without a pre-approval letter in hand, your offer may not get serious consideration, no matter how strong the price is.
Fast turnaround
Hilary’s preferred lenders can typically turn a pre-approval letter around in 24–48 hours, so you’re not stuck waiting to start touring homes.
Military-experienced lenders
Work with lenders who handle VA, conventional, and first-time buyer programs regularly and know how to navigate PCS timelines.
A stronger offer
A pre-approval letter is lender-verified proof you can close — it’s often the deciding factor when a seller is comparing similar offers.
Six reasons to get this done before house hunting, not during.
Know your true budget
Pre-approval gives you a real, lender-verified number based on your income, credit, and debt — not a guess. You’ll know what you can actually afford before you fall for the wrong house.
Win in competitive situations
When a seller is weighing multiple offers, verified financing lowers their perceived risk. A pre-approval letter makes your offer more competitive without raising your price.
Catch problems early
Credit issues, documentation gaps, or debt concerns surface during pre-approval — while you still have time to address them, instead of during a live escrow with a deadline bearing down.
Lock in better terms
Pre-approval gives you room to compare lenders and loan programs before you’re under contract, so you can shop for rate and terms instead of taking whatever’s available under time pressure.
Move faster to closing
Most of the financial review is already done by the time you’re under contract, so final underwriting moves faster — which matters in a market where quick closes win offers.
Negotiate with less stress
Knowing your monthly payment, down payment, and closing costs upfront means fewer surprises later — and more confidence when it’s time to negotiate.
Four steps, most of it handled by your lender.
Gather your documents
ID, recent pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, and bank statements. Hilary will tell you exactly what your specific loan program needs before you start.
Connect with a lender
Get introduced to a trusted, military-experienced lender who understands VA loans and PCS timelines — not a generic call-center referral.
Complete the application
Submit your financial information and let the lender review your credit and profile. This is usually the fastest step in the whole process.
Get your letter
Your pre-approval letter (typically valid 60–90 days) shows exactly what you’re approved to borrow. From here, you’re ready to make offers.
Let’s get you pre-approved before you tour a single home.
Tell Hilary your timeline and loan type — VA, conventional, or first-time buyer — and she’ll connect you with a trusted lender who moves fast.
Schedule a Strategy Call