Three things to do right now
Add us to your contacts
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Complete the Kick Off Survey
Now that you have an offer accepted, it’s time to complete our Kick Off Survey.
Schedule a Kick Off call
With an offer accepted, it’s time to schedule your Kick Off Call (check your email for the link).
Loan process overview
Blast off!
What Happens:
With your offer accepted, we use your sales agreement to firm up your loan details, including the down payment, monthly payment, interest rate, closing costs, and other numbers.
Your Next Step:
Complete our Kick-Off Survey. Schedule a call to review updated numbers, ask questions, and (unless there’s a reason to wait) lock in your interest rate.
Initial Application & Disclosures
What Happens:
We prepare your initial loan application and disclosures. These documents are the official kick-off to your loan process.
Your Next Step:
Review and sign your initial application as soon as possible. (Make notes on anything that needs to be updated—you’ll sign the finalized version at closing.)
Deposits & Appraisal
What Happens:
It’s time to pay your deposits — for the application fee, credit reports, and appraisal. (You’ll receive credit for these deposits at closing.)
Your Next Step:
Go to your task list and pay the deposit quickly to avoid delays.
Processing & Initial Underwriting
What Happens:
We use two tracks to process loans. We’ll select the most efficient option for your loan type:
➡ Traditional Track: A Mortgage Consultant (MC) will review your file, request any updated or additional information needed, and submit your loan for initial underwriting.
➡ Same Day Mortgage: An Associate Underwriter will review your file, request updated or additional information required, and approve your loan.
Your Next Step:
Respond to any requests for documents or information within 48 hours.
Clearing Conditions & Final Underwriting
What Happens:
The underwriter issues initial conditional loan approval. These conditions are our roadmap to closing.
➡ Traditional Track: A Loan Consultant (LC) will clear internal conditions, request any items we need from you, and then submit your loan for final underwriting approval and clearance to close.
➡ Same Day Mortgage: The Associate Underwriter will request any items we need from you, review each, and issue clearance to close.
Your Next Step:
Provide any conditions requested within 24 to 48 hours. Finalize your homeowners insurance.
Preparing to Close
What Happens:
We coordinate with your settlement agent (title company or attorney), prepare loan documents, finalize numbers, and lay the groundwork for closing.
Your Next Step:
Ensure your funds are ready to send to the title company in certified form; they’ll only accept a wire transfer or cashier’s check. Schedule signing with the settlement agent.
Signing & Closing
What Happens:
It’s time to close! The last steps vary by state:
➡ “Dry” Funding (AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, NV, NM, OR, WA): Send funds and sign documents one or two business days before closing. On closing day, the action is all behind the scenes.
➡ “Wet” Funding: Send funds, sign documents, and close – all on the same day.
Your Next Step:
Celebrate – you’re officially a homeowner! 🥳 🎉 🍾
Timing is everything… and your contract sets the pace!
Here’s how the mortgage process fits into 2-week, 3-week, and 4-week escrow timelines.
🟡 Yellow: Contract & negotiations
🟢 Green: Appraisal process
🔵 Blue: Mortgage process
2-week closing: We’ve gotta hustle! Sign your initial paperwork and pay your deposit right away. The appraisal overlaps with inspections and repair negotiations – every day counts.
4-week closing: With a more relaxed schedule, you can (mostly) move step-by-step. There’s no need to rush, but stay on top of the loan process to stay on track and stress-free.
3-week closing: You can inspect before the appraisal but negotiations may be ongoing at appraisal “go” time. Keep the loan process moving to avoid a time crunch or missed closing.
Explore our PDF library…
Connect with us on YouTube…
We have a growing YouTube library of videos covering every part of the mortgage process. Head over and explore, and don’t forget to subscribe (and turn on notifications so you don’t miss new videos!)