As a mortgage professional, I frequently get asked, “Does pre qualification affect credit score?” It’s a valid concern—especially for first-time homebuyers trying to protect their credit during the loan process.
Here’s the key: Mortgage pre-qualification typically uses a soft credit inquiry, which has no impact on your credit score. It allows lenders to review your financial snapshot without triggering a hard pull. This makes it a great first step to understand your loan options and affordability range.
However, it’s important to educate clients that once they move to pre-approval, a hard inquiry is often required, which may cause a slight, temporary drop (usually less than 5 points).
At Dream Home Mortgage, we guide borrowers through both stages with transparency—helping them understand the difference between soft and hard pulls, and when each applies. It’s all about clarity and control in the homebuying journey.
Feel free to ask questions or share how your organization handles this part of the process. Always happy to exchange insights with fellow professionals.
