Prequalify first to avoid hurting your credit
Most lenders offer the option to prequalify before completing the full application. This lets you check your eligibility and get an estimate of the loan amount, rates and terms you might receive. And it’s typically based on a soft credit pull, meaning your score won’t take a hit.
You aren’t guaranteed to get the rates you prequalify for, but it can give you a risk-free idea of what your offer might be.