Mortgage Tips 2025: How to Get Pre-Approved Fast and Find the Best Rates

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Arizona in 2025—whether that’s in Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, or anywhere in the East Valley—you’ve probably wondered: How do I find the best mortgage rates and get pre-approved without stressing myself out? I hear this from buyers all the time, so I sat down with my go-to mortgage broker, Andi, to walk through the most common questions homebuyers ask.

Why Use a Mortgage Broker Instead of Calling Around?

A lot of people think they need to call a bunch of banks, credit unions, and lenders to compare rates. But the truth is—having a mortgage broker like Andi means someone else does all that shopping for you. She works with over 150 different lenders and can find the program that fits your situation best. That saves you time, money, and a lot of frustration.

What Credit Score Do You Really Need?

Here’s the good news: you don’t need perfect credit to buy a house. Sure, the better your credit, the better your terms will be. But some programs, like FHA loans, allow you to qualify with a credit score as low as 500 if you have the right down payment. If your score is higher, conventional loans might make more sense. The bottom line? Don’t count yourself out just because your score isn’t where you want it yet.

How Does Debt-to-Income Ratio Work?

Debt is one of the biggest concerns I hear from buyers. Lenders look at something called your debt-to-income ratio (DTI)—basically how much of your monthly income goes toward debt payments. Different loan programs have different limits, so what feels like “too much debt” to you might actually still be okay for approval. A mortgage broker will help you sort it out.

Can You Make Too Much Money to Qualify?

Funny enough, some people ask if they make too much to qualify. The answer is no—you can’t make too much to buy a house. But certain programs are designed for buyers under a certain income threshold. For example, some conventional loan programs are available if you make less than 80% of the area’s average income. These can be amazing options if you qualify.

What Documents Do You Need for Pre-Approval?

Getting pre-approved isn’t as scary as it sounds—it’s just about having the right documents ready. Lenders usually want:

• Job history and pay stubs (if you’re a W-2 employee)

• Tax returns and income history (if you’re 1099 or self-employed)

• A two-year history of income and work

Once you provide these, a pre-approval can often be turned around in a single day.

Things You Shouldn’t Do Before Buying

This part is important: once you’re preparing to buy, avoid making big financial moves. That means:

• Don’t buy a car

• Don’t switch jobs (unless you really have to)

• Don’t open new credit cards

• Don’t let your credit get checked repeatedly

Keeping things steady makes sure your pre-approval doesn’t fall apart right before closing.

Your Next Step to Buying a Home in 2025

Buying a home in Arizona in 2025 is exciting, and it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when you have the right people on your side. With a great Realtor and a knowledgeable mortgage broker, you’ll know your options, get pre-approved quickly, and shop for homes with confidence.

Whether you’re looking at Queen Creek homes for sale, exploring affordable options in San Tan Valley, or checking out homes in Gilbert, Chandler, or Mesa, understanding your mortgage is the first step to making your dream home a reality.