A real preapproval means I've looked at your income, your assets and your credit, not just run a calculator. It tells you what you can comfortably buy, it tells a seller your offer is solid, and it surfaces problems while there's still time to fix them. I'm Rob McKenney, an independent broker in Milford, and I work with buyers in Milford, Howell, Brighton, Hartland and across Michigan.
Call Rob: (810) 819-8686 Tell Me About Your PlansA starting point. It only knows the numbers you type in, and it can't see a gap in your job history, a collection on your credit, or how a lender will count your bonus or self-employment income.
A conversation about your situation, usually without documents. Useful for a first look, but sellers and listing agents know it hasn't been checked.
I review your actual documents and, with your permission, your credit. The letter is based on what's verified, so it holds up when you write an offer and there are fewer surprises once you're under contract.
A preapproval is not a commitment to lend. Final approval still depends on underwriting, the appraisal, title, and nothing major changing between now and closing.
If you're paid by an employer: your two most recent years of W-2s, your most recent pay stubs, and recent statements for the accounts your down payment and closing money will come from.
If you're self-employed: your last two years of tax returns, or, if your returns don't show what you really make, twelve to twenty-four months of bank statements or a CPA-prepared profit and loss. The self-employed guide explains each option.
If you're a veteran: nothing extra to start. I'll help you pull your Certificate of Eligibility. See the VA loan guide.
If you own a home now: your current mortgage statement, and whether you plan to sell it, keep it, or buy before you sell. Buying before you sell changes how the preapproval gets built.
Everyone: a photo ID, and anything that explains a large deposit, a gift from family, child support or alimony, or a recent job change. It's easier to explain those now than in the middle of underwriting.
1. A short conversation. What you're looking for, where, your timeline, and what's worrying you. No commitment and no credit pull for this part.
2. Documents. I send you a checklist built for your situation, not a generic one.
3. Credit, with your permission. We go over the report together. If something is holding your score down, I'll tell you what's worth fixing before you shop.
4. The comparison. I look at your options across dozens of wholesale lenders and walk you through them on paper, in plain English.
5. Your letter. You get a preapproval letter you can hand to an agent. When you're ready to make an offer, I update it for that address.
6. Your agent. Already working with a realtor? I'll keep them in the loop from day one. If you don't have one yet and want an introduction to an experienced local agent, just ask. It's optional and costs you nothing either way.
How much you really need saved, seller credits, gift funds, and the path from "can I even do this?" to keys. First-time buyer guide →
Buying your next home while you still own this one, and how your equity fits in. Buy before you sell →
Loan amounts above the conforming limit follow each lender's own rules, which is where shopping lenders matters most. Jumbo loans →
Bank statements, a profit and loss, 1099s or assets when tax returns undersell you. Self-employed options →
Call or text me directly. You'll talk to me, not a call center, and you'll leave the call knowing your next step.
Call / Text (810) 819-8686 Tell Me About Your PlansA preapproval is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, appraisal and title.
