If you’re getting ready to buy a home in Ottawa, this is one of the smartest questions you can ask. I work with buyers every day who want to make sure they’re not wasting time, or missing opportunities. So let’s talk about why pre-approval comes first, how it works in 2025, and how to use it to your advantage.
Why get pre-approved before viewing homes?
Here’s what I tell every buyer I work with: pre-approval is not just a checkbox, it’s a power move.
It shows you what you can actually afford, not just what you hope for. It lets your agent (that’s me) guide your search with precision. And it gives you leverage when it’s time to make an offer, especially in a competitive Ottawa neighbourhood.
Plus, it protects you from rate hikes while you shop. Many lenders will lock in your rate for up to 120 days.
Here’s a quick breakdown on pre-approval basics from Ratehub.
How long does a pre-approval last?
In 2025, most lenders are offering pre-approvals valid for 90 to 120 days. That’s your window to house hunt before needing a refresh or re-qualification.
But this isn’t a “set-it-and-forget-it” process. If your income, debt, or credit changes during that period, your approval could be impacted.
NerdWallet explains it well in their Canadian pre-approval guide.
When should you get pre-approved?
Not too early. Not too late. Here’s the rule I give my clients:
“Get pre-approved the moment your down payment is ready, your income is stable, and you're aiming to buy in the next 2–4 months.”
If you’re still saving or exploring options, we wait. If you're ready to act, we move, and having a valid pre-approval puts you in the driver’s seat.
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has a good overview here.
What I help buyers with in Ottawa
When I work with buyers in Centretown, Kanata, Orleans, or anywhere in between, we don’t guess. I help you:
Get matched with a lender or broker who knows Ottawa inside-out
Build a budget that fits your goals, not just the bank’s approval
Monitor expiry windows and market shifts
Prepare offers that sellers take seriously, because they know you're financially solid
This is one of those “set the foundation” steps that makes every part of the journey smoother.
Bottom line
Yes, you should absolutely get pre-approved before you start seriously viewing homes.
It gives you clarity, leverage, and peace of mind. And once you’re pre-approved, we’ll move with confidence, not chaos.
If you’d like help connecting with a mortgage pro or want to make sure your approval aligns with your budget and the Ottawa market, let’s talk. That’s exactly what I’m here for.
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