Getting pre-approved is the first real step toward buying a home in Northern Virginia, Maryland, or DC. Sellers and agents take pre-approved buyers seriously because it shows you can close.

Start by gathering pay stubs, W-2s, two years of tax returns, bank statements, and photo ID. Self-employed buyers should also prepare profit-and-loss statements.

Compare at least three lenders — credit unions, national banks, and local mortgage brokers often quote different rates and fees in the DMV market.

A pre-approval letter typically lasts 60–90 days. If your home search takes longer, ask your lender to refresh it before you write an offer.