Most mortgage preapprovals are valid for 6 months. It makes sense to obtain the approval first before you have settled on a property. If you are keen on buying a house, it will probably take you 2 months to find one and 2-3 months to close the mortgage with bank. Getting preapproved will help you know what loan you qualify for, the expected down payment, what your loan installments will be, closing cost expectations, your credit score and any alternatives you have to raise your credit score. read more