Resources

The Mortgage Process

From pre-approval to closing day — here's exactly what to expect at every step, so there are no surprises along the way.

7 Steps

From Application to Keys

28 Days2

Our Average Closing Time

87%2

Close On or Ahead of Schedule

94%2

Receive Proactive Weekly Updates

01

Pre-Approval

1–3 days

We review your credit, income, assets, and debts to determine how much you can borrow and which loan programs fit your profile. You'll receive a pre-approval letter that shows sellers you're a serious, qualified buyer.

What You Do

  • Complete a loan application
  • Provide W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, and ID
  • Authorize a credit check

What We Do

  • Run a thorough financial review
  • Identify the best loan programs for your situation
  • Issue your pre-approval letter
02

House Hunting

Varies

With pre-approval in hand, you work with your real estate agent to find the right home. Your pre-approval letter gives you a clear budget and makes your offers more competitive.

What You Do

  • Work with your agent to find homes
  • Make an offer with your pre-approval letter
  • Negotiate terms and get under contract

What We Do

  • Stay available for loan questions during your search
  • Help you understand how different price points affect your payment
  • Coordinate with your agent as needed
03

Loan Application

1–2 days

Once you're under contract, we finalize your loan application with the specific property details. This locks in the exact loan type, amount, and terms for your purchase.

What You Do

  • Provide the signed purchase contract
  • Submit any additional documentation requested
  • Decide whether to lock your interest rate

What We Do

  • Finalize your application with property details
  • Order the home appraisal
  • Submit your file to processing
04

Processing

5–10 days

Our processing team verifies all the information in your file — employment, income, assets, title, and insurance. They prepare everything for underwriting review.

What You Do

  • Respond promptly to any document requests
  • Set up homeowners insurance
  • Avoid major financial changes (new credit, large purchases, job changes)

What We Do

  • Verify employment, income, and assets
  • Order title work and insurance
  • Build a complete loan package for underwriting
05

Underwriting

3–7 days

An underwriter reviews your complete file to make a lending decision. They may approve with conditions (additional documentation needed) or issue a clear approval.

What You Do

  • Provide any conditions the underwriter requests
  • Continue to avoid major financial changes
  • Stay in close contact with your loan officer

What We Do

  • Submit your file to underwriting
  • Advocate for your file and address any questions
  • Keep you updated on status — 94% of our clients receive proactive weekly updates²
06

Clear to Close

1–3 days

All conditions are met and your loan is fully approved. We prepare your final Closing Disclosure, which outlines your exact loan terms, monthly payment, and closing costs.

What You Do

  • Review your Closing Disclosure carefully
  • Confirm closing date and time with your agent
  • Arrange funds for closing (cashier's check or wire)

What We Do

  • Prepare your final loan documents
  • Coordinate with the title company and your agent
  • Ensure everything is ready for a smooth closing
07

Closing Day

~1 hour

You sign your final loan documents, pay your closing costs and down payment, and receive the keys to your new home. The title transfers and the loan is funded.

What You Do

  • Bring your ID and closing funds
  • Review and sign all documents
  • Get the keys to your new home

What We Do

  • Walk you through every document before you sign
  • Ensure funding happens smoothly
  • Celebrate with you — this is the best part

Tips for a Smooth Closing

Small steps that make a big difference in keeping your loan on track.

Respond to Document Requests Quickly

The faster you provide requested documents, the faster your file moves through processing and underwriting. Delays in documentation are the #1 cause of closing delays.

Avoid Major Financial Changes

Don't open new credit accounts, make large purchases, change jobs, or move large sums of money between accounts during the loan process. These can trigger additional review and delays.

Stay in Communication

Keep your phone on and email accessible. Answer calls from your lender and title company. If something changes in your situation, tell your loan officer right away — early communication prevents problems.

Ready to Start the Process?

The first step is a conversation. Let's talk about your goals and get you pre-approved — our average closing time is just 28 days.2