Zillow

Find your ideal price range

Thinking of buying? Pre-qualification helps you understand what you can afford. While it doesn’t guarantee a loan, it gives you an estimate of how much you could borrow in as little as 5 minutes¹ with no credit impact.

See what you can afford

Pre-qualification vs. pre-approval

These steps sound similar, but have major differences. Here’s when to do each one during your home-buying process.

Pre-qualification basics

Helps you understand your budget as you shop
Takes as little as 5 minutes¹
No hard credit pull; based on self-reported data which does not impact your credit
No commitment to work with a lender

Learn more

Pre-approval basics

Lets you more confidently make offers on homes
A longer process where a lender reviews your personal and financial info
You’ll get a pre-approval letter which shows sellers you're a serious buyer
Still no commitment to work with a lender

Learn more

Ready to get started?

You can get pre-qualified online and start understanding your budget in just a few minutes.

Get pre-qualified

Download the app

Zillow Home Loans, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #10287.
For licensing information, go to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
2600 Michelson Dr.
Suite 1201
Irvine, CA 92612
©2018–2026

This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email or destroy all copies of the original message. This is not a commitment to lend. Zillow Home Loans does not currently offer loans in New York. For subject properties located in Texas, a conditional pre-qualification will be issued in lieu of a pre-approval, per state requirements.

¹ Based on consumer performance across all individuals who completed the pre-qualification process. Current as of: 01/15/2026