I always recommend that a home buyer takes the time to get pre approved for a mortgage prior to starting their search process. Here are the reasons and advantages for getting a pre approval from a lender

1. It ensures that I am searching, finding and showing you homes that are within your price range. Time  is very  valuable and important when searching for a new home.
2. It gives you the best opportunity to make an  offer and get it accepted in the fastest time possible.
3. A lot of sellers will require a pre approval letter with an offer
4. Sellers will take your offer more serious, knowing you are pre approved
5. Once you have an accepted offer, you can immediately begin working towards a closing date, instead of starting the process after offer and acceptance