In today's fast-paced housing markets in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, timing is everything. Home buyers who are pre-approved for a mortgage before they begin house hunting are in a better position to act quickly when they find the right home. Armed with a pre-approval letter in hand, home buyers can focus on homes within their price range, strengthen their offer when they find the right home, lock in an interest rate, and give buyers a competitive edge in hot markets. Whether you’re buying your first home or looking to buy again, here’s what you need to know about mortgage pre-approvals and how they can boost your buying power.