Mortgage Preapproval
Start Smart. Buy with Confidence.
Getting pre-approved is more than just a first step—it’s a strategic move that sets you up for success on your homeownership journey. It gives you a clear picture of your budget, signals to sellers that you're serious, and makes the entire buying process smoother from start to finish.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, planning a move in the next few months, or just want to know what you can comfortably afford, a pre-approval puts you in the driver’s seat—ready to shop with confidence and negotiate with power.
What We Review During Your Pre-Approval:
- Your income and employment details
- Your credit score and history
- Your down payment and available savings
- Your debt-to-income ratio
Does a pre-approval hurt my credit?
A pre-approval has little effect on your credit and is a smart step toward homeownership.
How long is a pre-approval valid for?
Most mortgage pre-approvals are valid for up to 120 days (about 4 months), depending on the lender. This gives you time to shop for a home while locking in a rate and understanding your budget.
Even if you’re not 100% sure you’ll be buying within that timeframe, it’s still a smart move to get pre-approved early. It prepares you for when the right opportunity comes along and gives you a clear financial picture so you can make confident decisions—whether that’s next month or a little further down the road.
Can I get pre-approved if I’m self-employed or new to Canada?
Yes! We work with many lenders who offer flexible options for unique situations. To learn more about our new to canada services, click here.
"I am extremely grateful for all the help and support I received from my mortgage broker (Tracy Valko and her team) She was professional, responsive.She took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all my questions, and worked hard to find the best mortgage option for me. Her expertise helped me secure a great mortgage and save money. Beyond her professionalism, she is a very kind and caring person who made the entire experience much easier. I would not hesitate to recommend her to family and friends."
Read moreREEM THAHER
9 days ago
Tracy and her team were recommended by our family members and what a great recommendation that was! As a first time home buyer, I was feeling overwhelmed. Tracy made this experience much more approachable - she was ready to listen to any questions we had and had responses/explanations that were thorough and easy to understand as someone who is unfamiliar with this world. Our realtor was also impressed with how quick and easy it was to work with this team. Can't recommend them enough!
Read moreMara Thorsteinson
12 days ago
Working with Tracy was an outstanding experience from start to finish. She took the time to understand my situation, patiently answered my questions, and was always available whenever I needed guidance or clarification throughout the process. What impressed me most was Tracy's expertise as a mortgage broker. Her deep knowledge of the mortgage market helped me confidently navigate my options and choose the mortgage terms that were best for my situation. She explained everything clearly, offered thoughtful advice, and made what could have been an overwhelming process feel straightforward and manageable. On top of all of that, Tracy has a wonderful disposition – she is a genuinely positive person, who is just a pleasure to deal with. When I found my home, Tracy was excited for me, and her enthusiasm made the experience even more special. I'd also like to recognize her team member, Cindy, who was wonderful. She was friendly, responsive and organized, ensuring the administrative steps proceeded smoothly. I am truly grateful for the support, expertise, and care that Tracy and her team provided. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a mortgage specialist that combines exceptional knowledge with a genuine commitment to client success. Thank you Tracy!
Read moreErin M
12 days ago
I had another fantastic experience working with the Tracy Valko mortgage team-this is my third time trusting them with my business! They are incredibly knowledgeable and always answer my questions efficiently. This time, I worked closely with Tonya, who was absolutely amazing. She went above and beyond to ensure a smooth mortgage process. Her professionalism and dedication are unmatched. Highly recommend! - LP
Read moreAerie P
14 days ago
As first time home buyers, my wife and I had a lot of questions about the home buying and mortgage process. Tracy and her team were fantastic. They were attentive, available to answer all of our questions, and very professional. We also love Tracy's emphasis on helping her clients long-term, not just during the initial home buying process. I would absolutely recommend working with Tracy and her team!
Read moreMatt Scanlon
15 days ago
We had such a great experience working with Cindy throughout the home buying process. She took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all of our questions, and made what could have been a stressful process feel easy and manageable. Communication was always prompt and professional, and we always felt informed every step of the way. We really appreciated all of Cindy’s support and guidance and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and reliable mortgage broker!
Read moreStephanie Black
25 days ago
Ready to take the first step?
Let’s get you pre-approved today. We’ll shop the best rates, simplify the paperwork, and set you up for success.
