How it works
The Mortgage Process, Step by Step
Here’s what happens from your first call to closing day, and what we take care of along the way. You’ll have one point of contact throughout.
Eight steps
From first call to closing
Timing varies. A purchase usually takes several weeks from application to closing, depending on the appraisal, title work and how quickly documents come in.
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Step 1
Free consultation
Tell us your goals, whether you’re buying or refinancing. Talking with us doesn’t involve a credit check.
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Step 2
Pre-qualification
With your permission, we review your income, assets, debts and credit, then estimate how much you can borrow. Buyers get a pre-qualification letter for their offers. It is not a loan approval.
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Step 3
Find your home or plan your refinance
Buyers shop with their agent and send us the signed sales contract. Homeowners refinancing compare options with us.
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Step 4
Application and Loan Estimate
Complete your application through our secure online portal. Within three business days, you’ll receive a Loan Estimate showing your rate, monthly payment and closing costs.
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Step 5
Rate lock
Lock your interest rate so it holds for a set period while your loan is processed.
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Step 6
Processing and appraisal
We collect and verify your documents, order the appraisal and work with the title company.
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Step 7
Underwriting and approval
The lender’s underwriter reviews your file. If they ask for anything else, we’ll tell you exactly what’s needed until your loan is clear to close.
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Step 8
Closing Disclosure and closing day
You’ll receive your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. Review it, sign your documents, and get your keys.
Know your paperwork
Two documents to watch for
Federal rules require standard forms, so you can compare loans and confirm your final terms.
Loan Estimate
Arrives within three business days of your application. It shows your estimated rate, monthly payment and closing costs, in a standard format that makes it easy to compare offers.
Closing Disclosure
Arrives at least three business days before closing. It lists your final loan terms and costs. Compare it with your Loan Estimate and ask us about anything that changed.
Smooth closing
Keep your finances steady until closing
Lenders re-check your credit and employment before closing. Avoid surprises by holding off on big changes, and call us before making any you can’t avoid.
- Opening new credit cards or loans, or financing a car or furniture
- Making large deposits you can’t document
- Changing jobs, if you can avoid it
- Missing payments on any account
Ready to talk about your home loan?
Get clear answers from a local team, with no pressure and no obligation.