
The basics
Prequalification vs. Preapproval: What Is the Difference?
What each step tells you, what it does not, and when to ask for which.
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While you are here

What each step tells you, what it does not, and when to ask for which.

The five factors behind most scores, and why your number can differ from place to place.

How to calculate DTI in a few minutes and why lenders look at it so closely.

Which credit checks can affect your scores, which never do, and how to tell them apart.

A practical checklist of the paperwork lenders typically review, and how to share it safely.

A realistic plan for tidying up your credit, debts and paperwork ahead of an application.