Senior Loan Officer · NOVA Home Loans · NMLS #351484Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Evenings & weekends by appointment
Reviewing a home budget with a calculator before applying
Mortgage pre-approval in Las Vegas

Get pre-approved before you shop.

A pre-approval tells you what you may be able to borrow before you start touring homes, and it shows sellers you've done your homework. I'll review your income, credit, and assets, explain your options in plain language, and tell you exactly what's needed.

Pre-approval at a glance

  • Income, credit and assets reviewed up front
  • Know your price range before you shop
  • A letter you can include with your offer
  • FHA, VA, conventional, jumbo and more
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Secure application through NOVA Home Loans

Couple reviewing their mortgage pre-approval options
What pre-approval means

A real review of your file, before you make an offer.

A mortgage pre-approval is a lender's review of your income, your credit, your assets, and your monthly debts, done before you find the house. When it's complete, you get a pre-approval letter that shows the loan amount you may qualify for, based on the documents you provided.

It's different from an online estimate. A pre-qualification is based on what you type into a form. A pre-approval is based on your actual pay stubs, statements, and credit report, so you can shop with a clearer picture of your price range and payment.

A pre-approval isn't a final loan approval or a commitment to lend. Underwriting, the appraisal, and the property still need to check out. Starting with a careful review just means fewer surprises later.

Why it matters in Las Vegas

Why pre-approval matters when you write an offer.

Homes across the valley, from Summerlin to Henderson, can draw interest from several buyers. A pre-approval helps you move with confidence when you find the right one.

01

Offers taken seriously

Listing agents look closely at the letter that comes with your offer. A pre-approval shows your financing has been reviewed.

02

Know your real price range

See what you may qualify for and an estimated monthly payment, so you focus on homes that fit your budget.

03

Ready when you are

With your documents already reviewed, you're prepared to write an offer when the right home comes up.

04

Fewer surprises

Questions about income, credit or assets come up early, while there is still time to address them.

Pre-qual vs. pre-approval

Pre-qualified or pre-approved: what is the difference?

Both can be useful. Only one is built on a real review of your file.

Pre-qualification

A quick estimate

  • Based on information you share
  • Usually no documents reviewed
  • A starting point for planning
  • Helpful early in your search
Pre-approval

A reviewed file

  • Based on your actual documents
  • Credit, income and assets reviewed
  • A letter you can include with an offer
  • Best before you start touring homes
What to gather

Documents you may need to get started.

The exact list depends on your loan program and your situation. I'll tell you what applies to you, so you only send what's needed.

  • Recent pay stubs
  • W-2s and, in many cases, tax returns
  • Recent bank and asset statements
  • A government-issued photo ID
  • Details on any other income
  • Business returns or bank statements if self-employed
  • A gift letter if family is helping
  • Your Certificate of Eligibility for a VA loan
The process

From first call to pre-approval letter.

I'll tell you what's needed and keep you updated along the way.

01

Talk it through

Tell me your goals, your timeline, and what you're comfortable spending. No application needed for that first conversation.

02

Apply securely

Complete the secure application through NOVA Home Loans and authorize a credit review.

03

Send your documents

Upload the documents on your list. I review your income, credit, and assets and follow up with any questions.

04

Get your letter and shop

You'll get a pre-approval letter based on your reviewed file. As you write offers, I'm here for you and your agent.

After you are pre-approved

Keep your pre-approval on track until closing.

A few habits can help protect your loan between your letter and closing day.

01

Hold off on new credit

Opening new cards or loans can change your credit and your monthly debts.

02

Check in on job changes

A new job or a change in pay can affect your loan. Call me before you make a move.

03

Document large deposits

Large deposits may need a paper trail. If money is coming in, let me know how it's being documented.

04

Keep your letter current

If your search takes a while, I may need updated documents to refresh your letter.

Ask a question

Not ready to apply? Start here.

Share a few details about your plans and Mark's team will follow up to talk through pre-approval.

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Ready now?

Start your pre-approval.

Use NOVA Home Loans' secure application, or call or text me with questions first.

Secure application through NOVA Home Loans. Applying is not a commitment to lend.

Areas served

Rooted in Las Vegas, licensed in nine states.

I help homebuyers and homeowners throughout the Las Vegas valley, from Summerlin and Centennial Hills to Henderson, Green Valley, North Las Vegas, Enterprise, and Spring Valley, and out to Pahrump. My office is at 5516 S. Fort Apache Rd., Suite 120, in southwest Las Vegas.

Licensed states

Where Mark can help

Mark works out of NOVA Home Loans' southwest Las Vegas office and is licensed to originate loans in Nevada, Arizona, California, Colorado, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. Program availability varies by state. Verify licensing at NMLS Consumer Access (NMLS #351484).

NVNevadaAZArizonaCACaliforniaCOColoradoNCNorth CarolinaOROregonPAPennsylvaniaTXTexasWAWashington
FAQs

Pre-approval questions.

Straight answers for Las Vegas homebuyers. Don't see yours? Just ask.

Have a question? Let's talk.

From your first home purchase to your next investment property, reach out and let's talk through your options.

Is a pre-approval a guarantee that my loan will close?
No. A pre-approval is not a commitment to lend. It means your income, credit, and assets have been reviewed up front. Final approval still depends on underwriting, the appraisal, the property, and your finances staying on track until closing.
What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?
A pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on information you share. A pre-approval goes further: I review your credit, your income, and your assets before you write an offer, so the number in your letter is based on your actual documents.
Does getting pre-approved check my credit?
Yes. A full pre-approval includes a review of your credit report, and I'll let you know before your credit is pulled. If you have questions about how that works, ask me first and I'll explain.
How long is a pre-approval good for?
A pre-approval is based on your documents and credit at a point in time. If your home search runs longer, I may ask for updated pay stubs or statements to refresh your letter before you write an offer.
Can I get pre-approved if I'm self-employed?
Often, yes. The documents are different, and usually include business and personal tax returns or bank statements. Options such as bank statement programs may be available. Eligibility varies, so let's look at your situation together.
Should I spend the full amount I'm pre-approved for?
Not necessarily. Your pre-approval shows what you may qualify for, which isn't always the payment you're comfortable with. Try the payment calculator, then let's talk about a price range that fits your budget.
What can hurt my pre-approval before closing?
New credit cards or loans, a large purchase on credit, a job change, or large deposits you can't document can all affect your loan. If something changes, call me before you act and we'll figure out the best next step.
What areas do you serve?
I'm based in Las Vegas and help borrowers across Southern Nevada, including Summerlin, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Enterprise, Spring Valley, and Pahrump. I'm also licensed in other states, so reach out and I'll confirm availability for your location and loan program.

Mark Sangster, Senior Loan Officer, NMLS #351484. NOVA Financial & Investment Corporation, DBA NOVA Home Loans, NMLS #3087. 5516 S. Fort Apache Rd., Suite 120, Las Vegas, NV 89148. Office (702) 463-6682. Verify licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, income and asset verification, property appraisal, and program guidelines. Programs, rates, terms, and availability are subject to change without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Next step

Ready to get pre-approved?

Start your secure application, or call or text me first with questions. No pressure, just straight answers.