How do you get pre-approved for a loan?

Apply with a lender, give them your documents, and authorize a credit check. The lender reviews your credit, income, assets, and debts, then issues a pre-approval letter stating what you may be able to borrow. It isn't a final loan approval. Getting pre-approved matters. It shows the seller you're a prepared buyer, it puts you in a competitive position if you need to make an offer quickly, and it keeps you from wasting time on homes above your budget, so I can focus on finding the right one. Contacting more than one lender and comparing their Loan Estimates is a good habit, and you're free to choose any lender you like. I can introduce you to lenders who fit your situation.