The benfits of the pre-approval program are:
You look at the "right" homes.
You save money dealing with a comfortable seller.
You close more quickly.
You minimaze the trauma of not knowing whether or not you qualify.
Because you are pre-approved, you become a "CASH" buyer in the eyes of the seller which puts you in a much better bargaining position.

Many Buyers are applying for a loan and obtaining approval before they find the home they want to buy!