Gail,

Generally speaking, new inquiries constitute only 10% of your overall credit profile. But there can be no definite way for any of us to tell you with certainty how the use of any program would impact your score without knowing the other 90% of the picture too.

My advice is that if you're serious about getting pre-approved for a mortgage, screen several lenders/brokers and talk with them at length about your goals. Once you're comfortable with one or two of them, you can obtain your credit report through the pre-approval process. We're going to need that info anyway to further the loan process.

Finally, I have never seen a case where a customer has shopped smartly for a loan and has, as a result, had a negative, material impact to his/her credit score. Never.

Good luck and let me know if I can be of service. I am a mortgage banker here in the state of CA, and Mortgage Master offers pre-approvals without cost or obligation.

Best regards,

Rob Spinosa
rspinosa@mortgagemasterinc.com