Many buyers wait until they feel ready to buy a home, only to be disappointed later when they finally speak with a lender. The truth is, you may be closer to qualifying than you think. Understanding the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval, and starting the right conversations early, can save you time, stress, and missed opportunities.

The CalHFA Dream For All Down Payment Assistance program is reopening its lottery on February 24, 2026, giving first-time, first-generation buyers another chance at up to 20% in down payment help. For Coachella Valley residents, this program could be a powerful opportunity to overcome high home prices, buy sooner, and start building equity in communities like Palm Springs, Cathedral City, La Quinta, and Indio.

Pre-qualification and pre-approval are two very different but crucial steps in the homebuying process. Pre-qualification gives you an estimate of your buying power, while pre-approval proves to sellers that you’re ready to purchase. Today, both can be done online, and with the right lender, you can even get pre-approved with a soft credit pull.