If you've already found the home you want to buy, you can skip ahead to Step 5 and apply for your mortgage directly. If not, consider getting preapproved for your mortgage before you start shopping for a home. Getting preapproved by Chase can give you a significant advantage while you're shopping for a home.

Chase's preapproval program is called Passport-to-Purchase®. With a Chase Passport-to-Purchase® preapproval, you get written confirmation of a maximum loan amount - so you know just how much you will be able to finance. This confirmation can help increase your bargaining power with the seller, since it's like having "cash-in-hand." And, once you find the perfect home, your transaction should close more quickly. Chase may charge a small fee for preapproval.

Chase's Passport-to-Purchase® Program also allows you to:

• Choose the mortgage that's right for you
• Lock in an interest rate for 60 or 90 days*
• Receive a preapproval certificate within 3 business days
• Shop for your home with confidence

To find out what happens when you submit an application for preapproval, jump ahead to Step 5.

* Rate lock begins at date of preapproval application.
A fee for preapproval may be applied.