Your Pre-Approval Checklist: What to Get in Order Before House Hunting This Fall

There’s something about fall that makes it a magical time to search for your dream home. The crisp air, colorful landscapes, and cozy vibes can make you want to settle in and settle down. But, before you start scrolling online listings or attending Sunday open houses, there’s one major step that can make or break your homebuying journey: getting pre-approved.

A pre-approval gives you a clearer picture of what you can afford, shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer, and helps your loan process go more smoothly. Here’s your fall-ready checklist to get pre-approval-ready before house-hunting season kicks off:

1. Check Your Credit Score

Your credit score is one of the first things a lender will look at when reviewing your mortgage application. A higher score can help you qualify for better rates and terms. Pull your credit report from all three major bureaus (you can do this for free once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com). Look for any errors or areas for improvement.

2. Calculate Your Budget

Knowing how much you can afford before you meet with a Ruoff Mortgage loan officer will help you feel confident and stay realistic with your budget. Use Ruoff’s Affordability Calculator to estimate your budget based on your income, debt, and down payment.

3. Gather Proof of Income

Lenders need to see that you have a steady and reliable source of income to cover your future mortgage payments. Gather these documents:

• Pay stubs (last 30 days)
• W-2s (last two years)
• Tax returns (if self-employed or have multiple income sources)

4. Organize Your Financial Documents

Beyond income, lenders want to see the full picture of your finances. This includes:

• Bank statements (checking, savings, investments)
• List of monthly debts (credit cards, student loans, car payments)
• Documentation of any additional assets (retirement accounts, real estate)

5. Know Your Down Payment Options

How much money you put down affects your loan options and monthly payments. Don’t assume that 20% is required, as many programs allow for much less. Talk to your Ruoff loan officer to explore down payment assistance programs that may be available to you.

6. Avoid Major Financial Changes

Big purchases or job changes can raise red flags. Hold off on buying a car, opening new credit cards, or switching jobs until after your mortgage closes.

7. Connect with a Loan Officer

Your Ruoff Mortgage loan officer will guide you through the pre-approval process, answer your questions, and will help you feel confident at every step. They will walk you through your options to make sure that your home-buying journey is personalized to you and is stress-free.

A pre-approval is more than just a formality – it’s your first step toward finding your future home. Getting your documents in order now can save you from stress, and even heartache, later. So, grab a pumpkin spice latte, check off this list, and start your fall house hunt with confidence.

Ready to get pre-approved?

Connect with a Ruoff Mortgage loan officer today to take your first step toward home.

About Ruoff Mortgage

At Ruoff Mortgage, we understand that buying a home is one of life’s biggest moments – not just as a financial decision, but a personal one. For more than 41 years, we’ve proudly helped families turn their dreams into reality. From our roots in northeast Indiana to now serving homebuyers throughout the Midwest, our focus has stayed the same: delivering exceptional service rooted in care, speed, and community. With an average 15-day clear-to-close time, our team is here to make your journey to homeownership as smooth and stress-free as possible. When you're ready to take the next step, we’re here to walk with you, every step of the way.