This is the first step for every home buyer. To qualify for a loan, you'll need a few things—proof of assets and income, good credit, employment verification, and other types of documentation your lender may require. Most lenders require a credit score of 620 or higher to approve a conventional loan. Once you provide the required documentation, your lender will issue you a document called a pre-approval letter. This document shows how much home you can afford. Depending on how soon you need the letter, most lenders can issue you the letter within 24 hours after receiving the documents. Be sure to work with dependable and reputable local loan officers. You need someone who understands the market because qualifying for a home is a complex process with many moving parts! I have a list of loan officers I and my past clients have worked with many times I can recommend.