Instant vs. Verified Approval: What’s the Difference?

Instant vs. Verified Approval: What’s the Difference?

At Realfinity, we offer two types of pre-approvals, each built for a different stage in your homebuying journey.

Instant Pre-Approval

Quick. Lightweight. No documents needed.

An Instant Pre-Approval (also referred to as a pre-qualification) is based on the information you provide and a soft credit check (no score impact). It gives you an initial estimate of what you may qualify for.

Ideal for:

• Exploring your price range
• Getting a quick pre-approval letter
• Starting your home search with confidence

What it involves:

• You enter your income and asset info
• We run a soft credit check (no score impact)
• You receive a letter instantly

Good to know:

This is not reviewed by our processing team. It’s meant to help you get started, not to make a final offer.

Verified Pre-Approval

Reviewed. Offer-ready.

A Verified Pre-Approval means your loan file has been reviewed by our processing team. It shows sellers you’re serious and ready to close.

Ideal for:

• Making an offer on a home
• Standing out in a competitive market
• Getting ahead of potential surprises in underwriting

What it involves:

• Uploading your documents (pay stubs, W-2s, bank statements, etc.)
• A full credit check
• Detailed review by our processing team

Good to know:

It gives everyone involved—you, your agent, and the seller—more confidence in your ability to close.

✔️ Realfinity Tip

Start with an Instant Pre-Approval. When it’s time to get serious, upgrade to Verified in your portal — fast and easy.

Have questions? Your Realfinity team is here to help.