Definition: "Mortgage Pre-Approval" is a term that refers to an application for a home loan, usually for purchase or refinancing a mortgage. It involves a person (the borrower) applying for a mortgage with a bank or other lender before making an actual offer on a property. The pre-approved amount typically represents the maximum amount of money available in the borrower's account from their income and other sources to cover the down payment and closing costs, as well as any potential future expenses such as taxes, insurance, and home improvements. This helps lenders estimate the loan amount they would need to provide for the transaction. A mortgage pre-approval is often considered a soft credit check or an informal approval of the borrower's financial ability by the lender, which may not be enough to secure a full-fledged mortgage from the bank. However, it can be helpful in demonstrating the borrower's ability to manage their finances and avoid potential financial hardships in the future. The term "pre-approved" suggests that the loan is already approved, but the actual amount of money available for the transaction is still subject to approval by the lender based on certain criteria such as credit score, income, and other factors.