4 EASY STEPS
1. Processing
Your loan officer will ask you a number of questions at application or if you prefer, you can fill out your application online. Your answers, your credit report information, and the loan program you've applied for will help determine if you qualify for instant mortgage approval using an automated underwriting system. Another processing option may be better suited to your needs. Documentation requirements vary, depending on the loan program, underwriting method and your own financial and credit profile. In some cases only minimal documentation is required. In other cases, more detailed information may be required.
An appraisal will be ordered at application to determine the fair market value of the property you are purchasing.
You can either lock in your range of rates (rate lock) or float your loan pricing. It is important to discuss these options with your loan officer. At application or shortly after, you will receive a Good Faith Estimate and a Truth-in-Lending Statement, which will show your annual percentage rate (APR). These documents are required by federal law and disclose the credit terms of you loan and approximate closing costs.
2. Underwriting
If you receive an instant approval at application, you will be given a condition credit approval letter. If another processing option is determined to be best, your file will be reviewed by an underwriter to make a decision on your loan application. An underwriter is a trained credit-risk analyst who will do everything possible to help you receive loan approval.
Soon after your applicaiton is approved (instantly or by underwriter), you will receive a commitment letter that explains the terms of your loan, including any loan condiitons that need to be met prior to closing. Read your commitment letter carefully, and be sure to follow instructions to ensure a timely closing.
In the case that your applicaiton is not approved, your loan officer can help you determine what actions need to be taken.
3. Pre-Closing
Prior to your loan closing, your loan officer or may ask you to provide:
- A copy of your homeowners or "hazard" insurance policy and a one-year paid receipt.
- A copy of the flood insurance policy and a one-year paid receipt.
- Evidence that you have satisfied all oustanding loan conditions listed in your commitment letter.
- Evidence that any required inspections have been conducted. These requirements vary depending on the type of financing you choose and the region where you live.
- A Certificate of Occupancy may be required if you are purchasing a newly constructed home or one that has undergone certain types of renovations.
It's time to schedule a closing date. All involved parties will be contacted to arrange a convenient time and location. Closing procedures and associated fees vary depending on where you live. You will be notified of the exact amount you will need to close your loan. The amount is payable by certified or cashier's check.
4. Closing
At closing, a closing agent will review the terms of your loan and explain each document. The closing agent will also provide you with a copy of the HUD-1 Settlement Statement, which shows all the costs related to the closing. These costs may include, but are not limited to, the down payment, loan origination fee, survey, appraisal, inspections, and title search costs. Some of the loans require mortgage insurance if your downpayment is less than 20%. In addition, you will be responsible for various prepaid expenses, including iterim interest.
An escrow account may be established at the time of closing. Your initial escrow account deposit will cover real estate taxes, hazard insurance, and your mortgage insurance if applicable. Your loan servicer will pay your taxes and insurance premiums from this account when they come due.
You will either be given or mailed a first payment letter. This document states how much your monthly loan payment will be and instructs you where and when to send your intitial payment.
Congratulations! You have completed the mortgage process!