A mortgage doesn't have to feel complicated. Here's exactly what happens at each step, what you'll need to provide, and how long things typically take.
The process works when you move with purpose. My job is to lead you through each milestone (from pre-approval to closing) so you're never guessing what comes next or why. Your job is simple: trust the process, stay engaged, and get me what I ask for quickly. Speed and accuracy of your documents directly determines how fast we close. The borrowers who close on time are the ones who respond fast. Let's be those people.
Pre-approval is the foundation of everything that comes next. Before you look at a single home, you should know exactly what you can borrow, what your payment will look like, and how strong your offer will appear to a seller. In competitive markets, a solid pre-approval letter is often the difference between getting the house and losing it.
This step involves a credit pull, a review of your income and assets, and a conversation about your goals. It typically takes one to two days, and I'll do most of the heavy lifting.
Now you're armed with a real budget and a letter that sellers take seriously. This phase is mostly between you and your real estate agent, but I stay in the loop. If you're comparing properties or thinking about how the financing affects a deal structure, I'm a phone call away.
When you find the right property and your offer is accepted, we move quickly. You'll sign a purchase agreement, pay an earnest money deposit, and the loan process officially kicks into gear.
Underwriting is where a licensed underwriter at the lender formally reviews your entire loan file (income, credit, assets, the property appraisal) and decides whether to approve the loan. This is the most important step, and it's where delays most often happen when borrowers aren't prepared.
My job is to get your file submitted clean, complete, and organized so underwriters aren't waiting on documents. Most of the time, we come back with a "conditional approval", meaning the loan is approved, subject to satisfying a short list of conditions (a letter of explanation for something, an additional document, etc.).
When the underwriter issues a "Clear to Close" (CTC), it means every condition has been satisfied and the lender is ready to fund the loan. This is the finish line.
You'll receive a Closing Disclosure (CD) at least three business days before your closing date, this document shows your final loan terms, interest rate, monthly payment, and the exact cash needed to close. Review it carefully and let me know if anything looks different from what you expected.
Things people ask before they're ready to commit to the conversation.
Yes, a hard pull is required, but the impact is small (usually 2–5 points) and temporary. If you apply with multiple lenders within a 45-day window, it typically counts as a single inquiry for scoring purposes. Don't let a minor credit hit stop you from getting pre-approved.
From pre-approval to keys, plan for 30–45 days once you're under contract. The pre-approval itself takes 1–2 days. Home shopping can take a week or a year, that's up to you and the market.
Talk to me before you assume you don't qualify. Many people who think they can't get a loan are closer than they realize. Depending on the situation, a credit improvement plan can sometimes get you qualified in 60–90 days.
Technically yes, but practically no, especially in competitive markets. Most listing agents won't present an offer without one, and sellers routinely choose pre-approved buyers over those who aren't. Get pre-approved first.
Pre-approval is based on your financial profile. Final approval (issued by underwriting) also accounts for the specific property (appraisal, title, insurance). The property has to qualify, not just you.
It depends on your loan type, down payment, and local costs. VA loans can close with little to no cash. Conventional typically needs 3–20% down plus 2–5% in closing costs. I'll give you a Loan Estimate early so you have a real number to plan around.
The first step is a 20-minute conversation. I'll ask the right questions, review what you have, and tell you exactly where you stand, no fluff, no sales pitch.