Home / Home Buyer's Guide
Home Buyer's Guide
Here's who does what, every step of the loan process, and the paperwork you'll see along the way. You'll always know what's next.
Your Team
Do not have a Realtor yet? We work with trusted partner Realtors and are happy to recommend one.
Every Friday
We send your Realtor an update every Friday, so everyone knows where your loan stands. Your personal information stays confidential: only milestone dates and overall progress are shared.
The Loan Process
You complete an application, we review your information, and you receive a pre-approval.
We send your Realtor a letter so sellers know you are pre-approved.
Once you are under contract, you sign the loan application and send your supporting documents.
That can include title work, proof of homeowners insurance, the appraisal, employment and asset verifications, HOA items when needed, and wiring instructions.
We review your complete file and prepare it for underwriting.
Your file goes to the lender's underwriter for formal review.
The underwriter reviews your file and may issue a conditional approval.
Send anything the underwriter asks for as soon as possible. Quick responses can help avoid delays.
Once the remaining conditions are satisfied, the file moves to final approval.
We send your Closing Disclosure for review and e-signature. You must receive it at least 3 business days before signing loan documents.
The title company prepares the final settlement statement and sends it for review.
Depending on the lender, final approval of the settlement statement may be required before signing.
The title company contacts you to schedule a signing time.
Bring your photo ID and any funds due at closing as instructed.
The lender funds your loan and the title company records the deed with the county.
Welcome home.
Two Forms to Know
A standard three-page form you'll receive within 3 business days of a complete application. It shows your estimated rate, monthly payment and closing costs, plus features such as any prepayment penalty.
It isn't an approval or a denial. Once you tell us you want to proceed, the terms are honored for 10 business days; after that, they can be revised.
A five-page form with your final loan terms, projected monthly payments, and closing costs. You will receive it at least 3 business days before closing.
Compare it with your Loan Estimate. If anything looks different, ask about it before closing day.
What Lenders Look At
Payment history, amounts owed, credit history length, recent inquiries, and account mix can all play a role in how credit is evaluated.
Late mortgage payments, bankruptcies, foreclosures, collections, or judgments may need added explanation depending on the file.
An appraiser estimates the home's value mainly from recent comparable sales nearby, along with the home's condition, amenities, and overall market context.
For some property types, other factors may also be considered as part of the valuation review.
The underwriter checks that the file meets the loan program's guidelines. If more information is needed, you may be asked for follow-up items before final approval.
Timely responses help keep the process moving.
Closing Day Checklist
Your title company will confirm the details. Personal checks are typically not accepted for funds due at closing.
It helps frame your home search and can surface questions before you are under contract.