When Should You Apply for a Mortgage?

Applying for a mortgage isn’t something you do on a whim. The timing of your mortgage application affects your mortgage approval status along with rate opportunities as well as giving adequate time to manage the entire process. You should apply for a mortgage at the perfect time. So, when should you apply for a mortgage?

The best time to apply for a mortgage is after you’ve prepped your finances, have a clear idea of your budget, and are seriously ready to start house hunting. The best time to obtain mortgage pre-approval requires you to request it 2–3 months in advance of your planned home purchase date. During this period, you should focus on improving your financial stability at the same time collecting essential paperwork to begin buying when you locate your desired property.

Let’s walk through the timing step-by-step so you know exactly what to expect—and how to set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free experience.

Get Your Credit Score in Check First

Before applying, you’ll want to know where your credit stands. Your score influences your interest rate, loan options, and overall eligibility. If your score isn’t where you want it to be, it’s better to make small changes over a couple of months before submitting a mortgage application.

When to start? Roughly 3–6 months before you plan to buy. This gives you time to:

• Pay down revolving debt

• Dispute any credit report errors

• Avoid any new large credit pulls (like auto loans)

Most lenders prefer a credit score of 680 or higher for conventional loans. If your score is lower, there are still options like FHA or VA loans, but you might face higher rates or need mortgage insurance.

Know Your Down Payment Situation

The bigger your down payment, the less you’ll need to borrow. It affects your monthly payments and can save you thousands over the life of your loan.

Start saving as early as you can, but about 2–3 months before applying, take a hard look at:

• Your total savings

• Whether you’ll get gift funds from family

• Equity from a previous home sale

• Emergency reserves (don’t wipe these out just to buy a house)

Once you know how much you can reasonably put down, you’ll have a better idea of what price range to shop in.

Time It Around Your Home Search

You don’t need to wait until you’ve found your dream home to apply for a mortgage. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. Getting pre-approved means a lender has looked at your finances and is tentatively offering you a certain loan amount.

Why this matters:

• Real estate agents take you more seriously

• Sellers may prefer buyers who are pre-approved

• You’ll know exactly how much home you can afford

When should you get pre-approved? Again, the sweet spot is about 60–90 days before you’re ready to start making offers. Mortgage pre-approvals typically stay valid for about 90 days—plenty of time for most buyers.

Factor In Your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

Your DTI tells lenders how much of your income goes toward monthly debt. Most lenders want this number to be below 43%, though some programs allow more wiggle room.

Before applying, figure out your monthly obligations:

• Credit cards

• Student loans

• Auto loans

• Personal loans

Then compare that to your gross monthly income. If things look tight, work on lowering your balances or increasing income before applying. Small changes now could open the door to better options later.

Start Gathering Paperwork

When you apply for a mortgage, lenders want to see that you’re stable and ready. They’ll ask for docs like:

• Tax returns

• W-2s

• Pay stubs

• Bank statements

• ID and Social Security info

If you’re self-employed, expect to provide profit and loss statements and possibly more documentation.

When should you start collecting everything? A good time is a month before you apply. That way you’re not scrambling once you’re under contract.

Consider the Market Conditions

Sometimes, your timing isn’t just about you. It’s about what’s going on in the real estate and lending market.

Interest rates change frequently—and even a quarter-point difference can mean big savings or costs over time. If rates are climbing and you’re financially ready, you might want to act sooner. If they’re high and there’s no rush, it could make sense to wait and monitor the trends.

Your lender (or mortgage loan officer) can help you gauge whether locking in now or holding off is the better call. Movement Mortgage RGV loan officers stay plugged in and can help you make informed moves based on current market dynamics.

What If You Apply Too Early?

Applying too early can be just as inconvenient as waiting too long. Your pre-approval will expire if you don’t buy within that 90-day window, and you’ll need to re-submit your financials to get another approval.

It’s no big deal, but it does mean pulling fresh credit reports and possibly explaining any changes in income, assets, or debts. To avoid this, wait until you’re serious about shopping or expect to start touring homes within a month or two.

When You’re Really Ready to Apply

Once your credit is in good shape, your down payment is secured, and your financials are organized, apply for pre-approval around 60–90 days before you want to buy.

That gives you:

• Enough time to compare lenders

• Room to improve anything that might cause issues

• The confidence to move fast when the right listing hits the market

Remember: your mortgage isn’t just a transaction—it’s a long-term relationship. Working with a local team that understands your needs, your community, and your goals can make all the difference.

Let’s Make It Happen – Contact Movement Mortgage RGV

At Movement Mortgage RGV, we know the Valley. Our local loan officers walk with you through every step—from pre-approval to closing day—with straight answers, clear timelines, and a no-pressure vibe. We’re not just checking boxes—we’re building futures.

Get personalized guidance from one of the best mortgage lenders in RGV.