From First Call to Closing Day

Initial Consultation

Everything starts with a conversation. We’ll spend 15–30 minutes on the phone going over your goals, your timeline, and your financial picture. I’m not running your credit or collecting documents yet — this is just about understanding where you are and where you want to go.

By the end of this call, you’ll know exactly what the process looks like for your specific situation and what to expect next.

Application & Pre-Approval

Once you’re ready to move forward, you’ll complete our secure online application. This takes about 20 minutes. I’ll review it personally and pull your credit to determine exactly what you qualify for.

Within 1–3 business days, you’ll have a pre-approval letter in hand — a real one, based on verified information, not a soft-pull estimate. This is what gives you serious buying power with sellers and agents.

Home Search

With your pre-approval letter in hand, you and your real estate agent can shop with confidence. You know exactly what you can afford, and sellers know you’re a serious buyer. This is one of the most important advantages a strong pre-approval gives you.

I stay available throughout your search. If you find a home and want to run payment scenarios at a specific price point, call me — I’ll run the numbers right then.

Offer Accepted & Rate Lock

Once your offer is accepted, I submit your full loan application immediately and we lock in your interest rate. Rate locks typically last 30–60 days and protect you from market fluctuations while we work toward closing.

Within 3 business days of application, you’ll receive a Loan Estimate — a standardized document showing your expected rate, monthly payment, and closing costs. Review it carefully and ask me about anything that’s unclear.

Processing & Appraisal

A loan processor reviews your complete file to make sure everything is in order. At the same time, an independent appraiser visits the property to verify its market value. The appraisal protects both you and the lender — you don’t want to overpay for a home.

During this phase I may ask for additional documents. Respond quickly — delays in document collection are the #1 reason closings get pushed back.

Underwriting

Underwriting is the most thorough part of the process. A licensed underwriter reviews your complete loan file — income, assets, credit, the appraisal, title report — and makes the final credit decision.

There are three possible outcomes from underwriting:

Most approvals come with conditions — this is completely normal. I’ll handle everything and guide you through providing whatever is needed quickly.

Clear to Close

“Clear to Close” — or CTC — means the underwriter has reviewed everything, all conditions have been satisfied, and you are approved to close. This is one of the best phone calls you’ll receive in this process.

At this point you’ll receive your Closing Disclosure — a final breakdown of all loan terms and closing costs. Federal law requires you receive this at least 3 business days before closing. Review it carefully and compare it to your original Loan Estimate.

Closing Day

Closing day is when you sign the final loan documents, pay your closing costs, and officially become a homeowner. The closing typically takes 45–90 minutes and happens at a title company, escrow office, or attorney’s office.

You’ll sign a lot of documents — your loan note, the deed of trust, and various disclosures. The title company or closing attorney will guide you through each one. Once funding is confirmed, the keys are yours.