Should I get pre‑approved before I start viewing homes, and how long does it last?

Let me be blunt:
Walking into showings without a pre‑approval is like going to the grocery store with no wallet.
You can look. You just can’t actually do anything.

If you’re serious about buying in Ottawa, getting pre‑approved isn’t a “maybe.” It’s the first real move.

Why pre‑approval comes before showings

A proper pre‑approval does way more than spit out a random number.

It:

• Sets a real budget
  Not “some calculator says,” but “a lender who’s seen my documents is willing to lend up to X.”

• Protects your heart
  You don’t fall in love with a $750K house if your true, comfortable range is $600K. We shop where you can actually win.

• Makes your offer look safe
  When I send an offer with a legit pre‑approval behind you, the listing agent knows you’re not wasting anyone’s time.

• Buys you time on rates
  Most lenders give you a rate hold in the ~60–120 day range. If rates go up while we’re shopping, you’re covered. If they go down, we can usually adjust.

If you like official sources, here’s a simple federal explainer:
Getting pre‑approved for a mortgage – Government of Canada

What makes a pre‑approval real, not fluff

There are two versions of “pre‑approved” out there.

The fluff version:

• 3‑minute online form

• No documents

• “Congrats! You’re approved up to $X!”

Looks cute in your inbox. Falls apart the moment an underwriter looks at it.

The real version (what I want for you):

• Credit actually pulled

• Income confirmed with pay stubs / NOAs / T4s

• Down payment source documented (savings, RRSP, gift, etc.)

• Someone competent has stress‑tested your file

That’s the difference between “we hope this works” and “we know what we can do.”

How long does a pre‑approval last?

Most Canadian lenders will hold your rate for roughly 60–120 days. That window gives us:

• Time to dial in your budget

• Time to tour the right Ottawa neighbourhoods

• Time to write a clean, confident offer when the right place hits the market

If we get close to expiry, no panic. We refresh it: update documents, re‑check options, and keep going.

Quick Q&A

Do I really need pre‑approval before viewing homes?
If you’re just getting a feel for neighbourhoods, fine. Once you’re ready to actually buy? Yes. I won’t let you write an offer without it.

Can a pre‑approval change or be revoked?
Yes, if your situation changes (new debt, job change, missed payments) or it expires and you don’t update it.

Can I talk to more than one lender?
Absolutely. I like having options. A good broker can shop multiple lenders with one set of documents.

My take: pre‑approval isn’t “paperwork for the bank.” It’s your permission slip to take this seriously. Once it’s locked in, we’re not guessing anymore. We’re hunting.

Next step: send me your ballpark income, debts, and savings. I’ll help you line up a real pre‑approval and then we’ll only go see homes you can actually own, not just admire on your phone.