Understanding the Mortgage Pre-Approval Process in Canada

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s one of the smartest first steps you can take when starting your homeownership journey.

In Canada’s competitive housing market, showing up without a pre-approval is like showing up to a bidding war without knowing your budget. You might fall in love with a home you can't afford—or worse, miss out on the one you can.

Let’s break down the mortgage pre-approval process in Canada, step by step. No jargon. No confusion. Just what you need to know.

1. What Is a Mortgage Pre-Approval?

A mortgage pre-approval is a conditional commitment from a lender that tells you:

How much you can borrow
What your estimated interest rate will be
What your monthly payments could look like

It’s based on a high-level review of your financial situation—your income, debts, credit score, and more.

Important: Pre-approval is not a guarantee, but it’s the next best thing. It gives you a strong signal that you’re mortgage-ready—and it shows sellers and real estate agents you’re serious.

2. Why You Should Get Pre-Approved Before House Hunting

Here’s why pre-approval is essential in 2025:

✅ You know your budget

You won’t waste time looking at homes outside your price range.
✅ You strengthen your offer

Sellers are more likely to choose buyers with pre-approvals—it reduces the risk of financing falling through.
✅ You lock in your rate (for 60–120 days)

If rates rise while you're still shopping, you're protected. If they drop, many lenders will still offer you the lower rate.

Think of it like shopping with a pre-loaded card. You know what’s in your wallet, and you’re ready to move fast.

3. What Lenders Look At During Pre-Approval

Your lender—or mortgage broker—will review key parts of your financial profile:

Income: Employment status, salary, bonuses, or self-employment history
Debt: Credit cards, car loans, student loans—your total debt load matters
Credit Score: Ideally above 680 for best rates, though approvals can happen below that
Down Payment: Minimum is 5% in Canada, but 20% is ideal to avoid mortgage insurance
Assets: Savings, investments, or other property ownership

We package all of this into a full application and submit it to multiple lenders if you're working with a broker. That way, you get options—not just a single opinion from one bank.

4. What You’ll Need to Provide

You’ll need to gather a few documents to get pre-approved. The more organized you are, the faster the process moves.

Here’s what most lenders require:

Government-issued ID
Proof of income (T4s, pay stubs, NOAs if self-employed)
Employment letter
Credit report (pulled by your broker or lender)
Information on existing debts
Proof of down payment and savings

Tip: Avoid making any big financial changes while you’re pre-approved—like quitting your job or financing a new car. It could change your eligibility.

5. What Happens After You’re Pre-Approved?

Once you’re pre-approved, you’ll receive a letter or certificate confirming:

Your maximum approved purchase price
The term and rate of the mortgage
The type of mortgage (fixed or variable)
The length of the rate hold (usually 60–120 days)

This document doesn’t just help you shop—it gives you negotiating power.

But remember: your mortgage is only officially approved once you’ve made an offer on a home, and the lender has reviewed that specific property.

Final Thoughts

Pre-approval isn’t a formality. It’s your blueprint. It tells you where you stand, what you can afford, and how to move confidently in today’s housing market.

At Anton Mortgage, we help clients across Ontario get pre-approved with the right lenders—not just the first one that says yes. With access to over 60 lenders, we compare rates, terms, and options to find what fits you—not just your numbers.

📍 Thinking of buying in the next 6 months?

Let’s help you get pre-approved, avoid surprises, and shop smart.

Book a no-pressure call with Anton Mortgage today. We'll walk you through everything—step by step