If you’d rather watch or listen to this instead of reading, the full video is right here (and subscribing helps you catch new uploads the moment they drop):
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq6ACmpCI6A 

Now let’s talk about something I see constantly, and it’s one of the biggest reasons people feel overwhelmed before they even start: mortgage pre-approvals.

One of the most common things I hear is, “I don’t even know how to buy a house. I don’t even know where to start.” And I get it. The process feels like a mystery until someone walks you through it.

So today, I’m breaking down our exact pre-approval process, why we do it this way, and why you should be extremely skeptical of any lender promising an “instant approval in two minutes.”

Because I’m going to be blunt: fast, instant pre-approvals are usually garbage, and shopping with a weak pre-approval can cost you the house you love.

The Real Goal: Low-Stress, High-Confidence Pre-Approval

I built our process for one reason: to make buying a home feel as low-stress as possible.
And yes—I’m a mortgage lender of 19 years, and I’m still an anxious buyer. So I designed this method the way I’d want it if I were you.

We want you to shop with confidence, not confusion.

Step 1: The Discovery Call (Don’t Talk Yourself Out of Buying)

Before anything else, there’s a discovery period—because a lot of people disqualify themselves in their head before they ever try.

If you’re thinking about buying but don’t know where to start, your first step is simple:

Call the team: 786-933-2077

You can literally say:
“Hey, I’m thinking about buying a house, but I don’t know where to start.”

We’ll talk through where you’re at, what you need, and whether you’re ready now—or what you need to do to get ready.

And real talk: this isn’t something you want reduced to a random checklist. A good discovery call is about listening—your timeline, your goals, your concerns, even the pauses while you think things through.

Step 2: The Application (Online or Over the Phone)

Next, you’ll complete the mortgage application.

You can do it:

• Online (yes, even at midnight in your pajamas)

• Or over the phone with the team, where we ask every question and get context as we go

I prefer phone applications because details matter. Example:
If you tell me you make $5,000/month, I’m going to ask: Is that a salary or an hourly rate? Do your hours vary? Do you have overtime?

Those answers determine what we document up front—so we can build you the strongest pre-approval with the least stress later.

Step 3: A Loan Officer Reviews It Again (Yes, Again)

After you apply, a loan officer on my team will reach out and go over the application with you.

People sometimes ask: “Why are you reviewing it again?”

Because we’re not just checking boxes, we’re structuring your file for underwriting.

Online applications can come through “wonky.” People misread questions. Tech glitches happen. And we also need to confirm details and understand:

• Your goals

• Your timeline

• The payment you’re comfortable with

• What kind of “home-buying cookie” we’re baking (yes, you’re the cookie — chocolate chip, peanut butter, confetti… we need to know!)

Step 4: We Fully Underwrite Every Pre-Approval

This is the biggest difference.

We fully underwrite every pre-approval.

Why? Because it makes you stronger and removes risk.

I don’t want you shopping with a letter that looks official but collapses the second a real underwriter reviews it. That’s where the horror stories come from.

A fully underwritten pre-approval is the gold standard, because:

• Your documents are reviewed up front

• Underwriting questions are handled before you fall in love with a house

• Your letter is far more competitive in a multiple-offer situation

And no—this doesn’t cost you more. It’s just a commitment to doing it the right way.

Step 5: Document Collection + Processing

Once we structure your file, a processor will request the documents we need, typically things like:

• Pay stubs

• W-2s

• Bank statements

• Other basics depending on your scenario

Then your file goes to underwriting.

Step 6: Underwriting Suspensions (This Is a Good Thing)

If the underwriter has questions, they’ll suspend the file and request clarification.

And honestly? Good.

I want underwriting questions to happen before you shop—not after you’re already under contract and emotionally invested.

Most suspensions are totally fixable (letters of explanation, small clarifications). But sometimes underwriting catches something bigger—and I’d rather discover that early than break your heart later.

Step 7: The Post-Approval Strategy Call (We Don’t Max Qualify)

Once you’re fully underwritten, you’ll have a real conversation about the numbers:

• closing costs

• payment range

• What happens if you go higher or lower

• How taxes/insurance can change the payment

And here’s a big one:

We do not max qualify.
Max qualifying is a recipe for poverty. I refuse.

Just because the system says you can buy at a certain number doesn’t mean you should.

We care about what you’re comfortable with because your housing payment is your future.

Bonus: Yes, You Can Talk to Me

You can absolutely talk to me if you want to.

The team will cover the core numbers (payment, down payment, closing costs, DTI).
My calls tend to be more “big picture,” like:

• How to evaluate neighborhoods

• How to spot issues in listings

• Whether buying truly makes sense for your goals

• The fears and what-ifs people don’t always say out loud

Consider me your emotional support mortgage expert.

Why I’m So Passionate About This

Two reasons:

1. The American Dream should be accessible.
   Once you understand the path, buying a home becomes far more doable than most people think.

2. I built this process for anxious buyers (like me).
   I wanted something that feels safe, structured, and clear—because that’s what I’d want if I were in your shoes.

So if you’re thinking about buying, stop guessing. Stop trusting “instant approvals.” Let’s do this the right way.

Related Read

If you want to understand one of the biggest ways weak pre-approvals hurt buyers after they’re under contract, read this next:
👉 Why Home Buyers Are Cancelling Contracts — It breaks down how bad pre-approvals lead to deal fallout (and how to avoid being that buyer).

Warm Close

If you’re thinking about buying and you don’t know where to start, call us. Even if you don’t end up working with us, we’ll point you in the right direction and help you understand the next step. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

📞 Call or Text Me: (786) 933-2077
🏡 Get Pre-Approved: https://www.zerostressmortgage.com 
📅 Set Up a Time to Chat: https://calendly.com/jennifer-beeston