Loan Process
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1. Get Pre-Approved
Loan pre-approval is the essential first step in the home buying journey. It not only helps determine your budget but also strengthens your position as a serious buyer. By securing pre-approval, you can move forward with confidence, ensuring a smoother and faster home buying experience.
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2. Find Your Home
Collaborate closely with your real estate agent to identify your priorities and preferences. Begin touring properties that match your criteria, taking notes on features, locations, and pricing. This hands-on approach helps you compare options effectively and make informed decisions as you move toward finding your ideal new home.
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3. Apply For Your Loan
Gather your documents and begin the formal application for a mortgage. Having your documents in order sooner will help speed the underwriting process. Make sure to collect key documents such as proof of income, tax returns, bank statements, and identification. Being organized and prepared will facilitate a smoother and faster approval process.
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4. Loan Processing
Work with us to carefully review your paperwork and ensure your loan is set up for success. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through each step, making the process clear and efficient, so you can move forward with confidence.
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5. Underwriting
The underwriter reviews your documentation carefully to provide both you and your lender with confidence and assurance in the loan process. This evaluation ensures that all information is accurate and meets the necessary requirements, helping to move your application forward smoothly.
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6. Closing
Once the documents are prepared, they are sent to the title company to initiate the closing process. The title company reviews the paperwork, coordinates with all parties involved, and schedules the closing appointment. This ensures that the transfer of ownership is legally documented and all financial obligations are settled before finalizing the transaction.
So, what is the process? *
APPLY - Start your application. You will create an account and enter some information about your home, income, assets and answer a few other questions. This will only take about 5-10 minutes.
SEND DOCUMENTS - Upload the applicable documents to your secure loan account. Documents can be in PDF format or a clear picture with your phone camera will also be fine.
APPLICATION REVIEW - Your documents and credit will be reviewed and I will contact you to discuss your interest rate and loan options.
SUBMIT TO LENDER - I will submit your loan to the lender that can offer you the best loan program for your circumstances.
SIGN THE APPLICATION - The lender will send a package of disclosures that may be signed electronically.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION - The lender will review everything and request additional information or documents that are needed. I will be in contact with you regarding the additional requirements requested by the lender.
APPRAISAL - For most loans the lender will require an appraisal of the property. I will order the appraisal and an independent appraiser will inspect the home and determine the value based on similar sales.
OTHER SERVICES - I will work with the appropriate vendors to get title documents, insurance, an appraisal and anything else that is required.
CLOSING - Once everything is submitted and approved I will schedule your closing date. You will usually sign the papers at the Title company however in some circumstances the closer may come to your home or meet at another location if necessary.
CELEBRATE - And just like that, you bought a home. Congratulations!
*Additional procedures may be applicable to your specific loan program.
Typically required documents:
PAYSTUBS - If you are employed you will need to have your most recent 30 days of pay stubs. Keep in mind, if you are paid every other week, 2 stubs only covers 28 days of pay.
W2s - If you are employed you will need to provide your last 2 years W2s.
SELF EMPLOYMENT - 2 years tax return, 3 month of bank statements, company profit/loss statement.
RETIREMENT INCOME - Collect income documents from other sources like Social Security Award letters and Pension documents
BANK STATEMENT(s) - The lender will likely require some type of assets in reserves. Depending on how much reserves the lender requires, you may need to provide statements for checking, savings, retirement, or other assets you have available. INCLUDE ALL PAGES front and back even if the page is blank.
MORTGAGE STATEMENT(s) - If you are refinancing an existing mortgage I will need your most current mortgage statement.
RENT PAYMENTS - If you are currently renting I will need verification of your rental payments. This may include copies of your cancelled rent checks, a verification form signed by the landlord, bank statements to show payments or other available documentation. I will also need the name, phone number and email address of your landlord.
PHOTO ID - A photo of your driver's license or other government ID. Taking a picture with your phone will do just fine.
EARNEST MONEY CHECK - If this loan is for a home purchase, you should keep a copy of the check used for the Earnest Money Deposit. You can make a copy or take a picture with your phone. You will also need to show the transaction from your bank when the money is deducted from your account.
INSURANCE AGENT - You should provide the Name, Phone and Email for the insurance agent you would like to use. If you do not have an agent I will be happy to get a quote on the insurance for you to review before making your decision.
HOA CONTACT - If your home has a Home Owner's Association I will need the contact person or management to collect the HOA documents. There is typically a fee from the HOA for this service.
OTHER STUFF - Every loan application is different and there are always additional questions that the lender has and additional documentation they will request. Don't worry, I am here to help you overcome the challenges that may arise.
Dos and Don'ts
DO - Gather your documents an upload them in the application portal as quickly as you can.
DO - Keep your paystubs, bank statements, and other financial documents for at least 2 months.
DO - Save documentation of ALL rent payments and pay with your own checking account.
DON'T pay your landlord in cash and DON'T have someone else make the rent payment for you.
DO - Save your money. Any purchases for new furniture, appliances, vehicles, etc. should be made AFTER you close on your loan.
DON'T have any unnecessary credit inquiries. DON'T apply for a car loan, new credit card, or personal loan until you have closed on your mortgage.
DO - Continue to make all loan payments on time. Even if your mortgage or debt will be paid off at closing you must make all payments until the closing date.
DO - Document any large income or expenses that are out of the ordinary. Better yet, discuss these transactions with your Loan Originator prior to any deposit or spending if possible.
DO - Keep your job. DON'T attempt to change jobs before your closing.
DO - Contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I am here to help!