To pre-qualify for a loan, you will need to complete the pre-qualification process.  A general pre-qualification involves signing the Credit Report Authorization and Borrower Authorization forms as well as discussing your financial plans with a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator.  A full credit review pre-qualification requires providing additional income and asset documentation.  When the pre-qual is complete, you'll have a good idea of the loan amount you can support and a pre-qualification letter can be issued.  The pre-qual letter can be used to accompany any purchase offer you decide to make.