Kansas City · Kansas & Missouri

Mortgage prequalification in Kansas City. Start with your budget.

Thinking about buying a home, but still figuring out what the numbers could look like?

Mortgage prequalification is an early estimate of what you may be able to afford, based on the income, debts, savings and credit information you share. I’m Mike Baker, owner of The Rate Shop. We’ll start with your goals and a payment you’re comfortable with, then work through what may fit.

Schedule a call with Mike

No upfront cost. Prefer a quick conversation? Call or text me at 913-213-3335.

Hi, I’m Mike.I’ve been originating mortgages since 2009. You’ll work directly with me, and I’m available nights and weekends when questions come up.

Choose the right starting point

Prequalification or preapproval? Start with your timeline.

One of my first questions is when you’d ideally like to buy. That helps us decide how much detail makes sense today.

Prequalification

A useful starting point when you’re planning further ahead and want a general idea of what may be possible.

We use the basic financial information you share.
You get estimated numbers and next steps.
We haven’t completed a full review of your income, asset and credit documents.

Preapproval

If you’re hoping to buy within about 30–120 days, I generally recommend moving into a full preapproval.

I review your income, assets and credit documents.
We look more closely at the loan options that fit.
A preapproval letter is the next step before making an offer.

We can take either direction based on your needs. See how my full mortgage preapproval process works.

Your first conversation

Tell me where you want to go. We’ll look at what it could take.

We always start with your goals and budget. That might be a monthly payment you’re comfortable with, a purchase price you have in mind, or both.

From there, I’ll ask about:

Your income. What you earn and how you’re paid.
Your monthly debts. Car payments, credit-card payments, student loans and other recurring debts that would appear on your credit report.
Your credit. Your general score estimate and any concerns you’d like to discuss.
Your savings and other assets. What you plan to use for the down payment and closing costs, and what you want to keep in reserve afterward.

Try the numbers first

Use the mortgage calculator to explore your monthly payment.

Start with a home price or a monthly housing budget. Adjust the down payment and interest rate to see how the estimate changes.

Include property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance when needed, and HOA dues. For a Kansas City home, use estimates for the specific property rather than assuming every house at the same price will have the same payment.

Bring your estimate to our conversation.

The calculator helps you explore payments. It doesn’t review your income or credit, determine what you qualify for, or calculate all the cash you’ll need at closing.

I’ll help you check the assumptions and connect that payment to the rest of your finances.

Try the mortgage calculator

What if the first set of numbers doesn’t fit?

Then we talk about what could change. That may mean a lower purchase price, a co-signer, family gift funds toward the down payment, or paying off selected debts to reduce your monthly obligations.

We may also compare permanent or temporary interest-rate buydown options where available. We’ll look at the upfront cost and the payment after any temporary savings end. A temporary buydown doesn’t replace qualifying for the loan.

Before you move money or pay off a debt, let’s compare the options together. The goal is a payment and a cash plan you’re comfortable with, including what you’ll have left after closing.

Questions before you call

Mortgage prequalification questions, answered.

Is there an upfront cost to get prequalified?

No. I don’t charge anything upfront for this prequalification process, including if we decide to use a soft credit inquiry.

Does mortgage prequalification require a credit check?

We can start with your estimate of your credit score. If you’re concerned about past credit issues, you may prefer to review your report and find out what needs attention. I offer soft credit inquiries that don’t affect your credit score. We’ll discuss which approach fits your needs, timing and goals.

Will I receive a prequalification letter?

I don’t issue prequalification letters. You’ll receive estimates, a video walkthrough and a plan for your next steps. Before you make an offer, I recommend getting fully preapproved, with your income, asset and credit documents reviewed by a licensed loan officer. That’s when we work toward a preapproval letter.

More on the terms and credit checks: CFPB prequalification and preapproval guidance · CFPB credit inquiry guidance.

Conversations are free.

Let’s find out what buying a home could look like for you.

Bring your questions, your budget and your timeline. We’ll look at where you are today and decide on the next step together.