It is highly recommended, and usually required, that buyers be "Pre-Approved" prior to starting the home search process. Most contracts will not be accepted without one.
A pre-approval is not a final loan commitment, however it shows your financial ability to proceed with a purchase. This information is important to owners since they do not want to accept an offer that is likely to fail because financing cannot be obtained.
I can provide you with a list of recommended Mortgage Representatives to obtain a pre-qualification, or click "Mortgage Info" above.