Mortgage pre-approval
Before you shop: real pre-approval, not the online simulator.
A serious pre-approval means an AMF broker validates your documents (income, debts, credit history) with a real lender and holds you a rate for 90 to 120 days. It's not a final credit approval — the lender confirms that at the accepted-offer stage — but it's what reassures sellers and gives you a precise maximum amount before you shop.
Who this is for
- You want to buy in 1 to 4 months and have a precise amount before shopping.
- It's your first property and you don't know how much you can really borrow.
- You saw a quick online simulation and want a real human validation.
- You're shopping in a competitive market (Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke) and want a pre-approval letter to reassure sellers.
- You want to lock a rate for 90-120 days against rate increases during shopping.
What brokers in the Courteo network look at
A rigorous pre-approval verifies 5 pillars — not just your credit score.
FAQ — pre-approval
Pre-approval vs pre-qualification: what's the difference?
Pre-qualification is a quick calculation based on what you declare (5-10 min, unverified). Pre-approval is a real validation of your documents by a lender, with rate lock and formal letter. Serious sellers often require pre-approval.
How long is a pre-approval valid?
Depending on the lender: 90 days (standard), 120 days (sometimes), 180 days (rare, sometimes with fees). If you don't buy in this window, the lender re-evaluates with the day's rate.
Does a pre-approval impact my credit score?
Yes slightly: it's a 'hard inquiry' (-3 to -10 points temporarily). But shopping multiple lenders within a 14-45 day window counts as ONE single inquiry ('rate shopping' rule). So having a broker query 5 lenders only costs you one inquiry.
Am I obligated to buy after pre-approval?
No. Zero obligation. If you decide not to buy, or change lender after the offer, no fees or penalties.
How long does pre-approval take with an AMF broker?
24 to 72 hours if you provide documents on request (income, debts, documented down payment). The broker submits to 3-5 lenders simultaneously and comes back with the scenario that fits your file best.
Start your pre-approval now.
2 minutes to start. A Courteo Prêts coordinator calls you within the day to understand your project, then connects you with an AMF broker who prepares your file in 24-72h. 100% free for you (the broker is paid by the chosen lender).