If you’ve ever wondered why a lender asks certain questions when you’re trying to get preapproved, this post is for you.

I’m going to walk you through the exact things lenders are looking for, what we’re actually trying to understand, and why these questions matter — especially if your goal is to buy a house in 2026.

I’ve been doing this for 19 years, and when people understand the why behind pre-approval, the process becomes a lot less intimidating.

The First Question: What’s Your Goal?

This is always where I start.

Not just “Do you want to buy a house?”
But:

• When are you trying to buy?

• Where do you want to buy?

• What price range are you hoping for?

Buying in January versus December is a completely different conversation. Buying in two months versus twelve months changes the strategy entirely.

If you don’t know your price range yet, that’s okay — but this is where a real budget comes in.

I know budgets feel old-school, but they matter. Long-term happiness in a home comes from knowing what you can comfortably afford, not what a lender says you technically qualify for.

Down Payment: How Much Do You Have Saved?

The next thing lenders are trying to understand is your down payment.

Some basics:

• VA loans: 0% down

• USDA loans: 0% down (rural areas)

• Conventional loans: as little as 3% down

• FHA loans: 3.5% down

If you want a $500,000 home, a good baseline is at least $15,000 saved for a conventional loan.

More is great. Less means we build a plan.

This is also where people forget about gifts. If a family member wants to help and it’s properly documented, that can absolutely be part of the solution.

Lenders aren’t here to judge — we’re here to help you connect the dots.

Credit: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect, But It Does Have to Be Paid On Time

This question matters more than people want to admit.

No, you do not need an 800 credit score.

But here’s the non-negotiable part:
👉 You have to be paying your bills.

Most loan programs need around a 620 credit score, depending on the loan type. But if your report shows repeated late payments or unpaid accounts, no new scoring model is going to magically fix that.

If you’re planning to buy in 2026 and you’re currently behind on payments, step one is cleaning that up.

Applying with 10 or 12 lenders won’t change the outcome if the issue is the same everywhere.

Income: Is It Usable and Verifiable?

Another big question lenders ask is where you work — and how you’re paid.

Things that raise red flags:

• Being paid under the table

• Not filing tax returns

• Self-employment without documented income

If income isn’t on paper, we can’t use it.

That doesn’t mean never — it means not yet. And that’s an important distinction.

A good lender asks these questions upfront because we want to know:

• Can we do this now?

• If not, what needs to change?

• What’s the cleanest path forward?

Why Lenders Ask So Many Questions

Every question serves a purpose.

We’re not trying to make things complicated — we’re trying to avoid surprises, wasted time, and unnecessary credit pulls.

If someone asks you:

• Your timeline

• Your savings

• Your credit habits

• Your income history

That’s a sign they’re actually doing their job.

Final Thoughts

If you’re watching this thinking:

• I have a job

• I’m getting paid properly

• My credit is solid

• I’ve saved some money

Then chances are, nothing is holding you back.

And if something is holding you back?
A good lender will help you build a plan — not shame you for where you’re starting.

Ready to Talk or Plan Ahead?

If you want to ask questions, review your situation, or build a plan for buying in 2026, help is always available.

786-933-2077
https://zerostressmortgage.com 

https://calendly.com/jennifer-beeston

Calls, questions, and planning conversations are always free.