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Maryland Mortgage Program

Lender Pre-Approval

Getting pre-approved by a mortgage lender is an important early step in the homebuying journey. A pre-approval helps you understand what you can afford, strengthens any offer you make on a home, and is required if you plan to use a Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) loan.

Why pre-approval matters

Before you start touring homes, a lender can assess your financial readiness and give you a clear picture of your price range. Pre-approval is strongly recommended before making an offer on a home.

During this process, a lender reviews key information such as:

  • Income (pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns)
  • Assets (bank statements, savings)
  • Debts and monthly obligations
  • Credit history

This information helps the lender evaluate your creditworthiness and estimate the maximum loan amount and interest rate you may qualify for.

What to expect during the process

Your lender will complete a credit inquiry and verify the financial documents you provide. Once the review is complete, you will receive a pre-approval letter. This letter states the maximum amount the lender is willing to finance and serves as proof that you are a serious, qualified buyer. It also helps you focus your home search on properties within your budget.

Finding an MMP-approved lender

To use an MMP loan, your pre-approval must come from one of our state-approved mortgage lenders. You can:

Working with an experienced MMP lender ensures that you understand your loan options, any eligibility requirements, and what to expect as you move toward homeownership.