1. Get your documents & finances in order.
2. Get pre-approved to determine how much you can borrow.
3. Work with a "recommended" loan officer to find the best mortgage for you.
4. Close your loan and settle

Here are the details:

1) Get your documents & finances in order.

You should start with reviewing your credit report. Your credit report will be used by your prospective lender as a measure of how you manage your finances. Good credit gets you better rates and a stronger negotiating position for terms. Most people are surprised at their report’s contents because errors in reporting are common. Now is the time to clean them up.

Also provide the following:

-Copy of two recent pay stubs the two most recent W2s
(If you are self employed, you need two years of tax returns and a YTD profit and loss statement)
-Provide a copy of your current mortgage statement
-Verification of any additional income
-A copy of your homeowner’s insurance policy
-A copy of your deed
-Current loan provider
-For a home equity loan, provide a copy of the note on your first mortgage.
-Title information
-Tax verification information
-Previous property assessments, if applicable
-If you own rental property, provide copies of the rental agreements and two years of tax returns
-Letter from employer stating date of hire, position, salary and year-to-date earnings
-Current value of your house
-Outstanding loan amounts
-Three months bank statements for each bank, IRA/401K, stock and mutual fund account.
-Co-borrower information
-Provide a copy of divorce decree if applicable.
-If you are not a US citizen, provide a copy of your green card (both sides)
-If you are not a permanent resident provide a copy of your H1 or L1 visa.

Once you get qualified you'll have a good idea of how much you can afford. A pre-qualification gives you a no obligation quick and easy idea of what you can borrow. It is a helpful and painless first step.

Keep in mind, in most cases, today's Seller requires you to provide your agent a pre-approval letter from a lender prior to even viewing their home.  And if you think about it, if you were the seller yourself, wouldn't you want to be sure people viewing your home, are actually qualified to close on a purchase of your home?  Of course you would!

Pre-approval verifies your income, credit and debts. This involves more time and expense but is very useful when making an offer on a property. Sellers will obviously consider an offer more seriously that is pre-approved over one that is of unknown backing.

Your loan officer will help you find the mortgage that fits you best.  A loan officer who is recommended by someone who has worked with them before, providing you the best chance of working with a lender who has a known track record!

Buyers Agent's usually have at least two lenders they work with all the time and if you check with the agent, you will find the agent even uses the lender for their personal transactions as well!  That should tell you something!

In determining the loan, there are a lot of factors to consider:

How long do you plan to keep the loan? Would a fixed or adjustable rate mortgage be best for you? How many points should you pay? What other costs are involved? When should lock in your rate? Based on your needs and situation, your loan officer will show you which mortgage products work best for you. During the whole process, we are there for you to answer your questions with our years of experience.

We will review your loan application and supporting materials with you to make sure that your loan package is correct and as strong as possible. Then we will shop your loan application package to several lenders to find you the best deal possible.e.check with the agent, you will find the agent even uses the lender for their personal transactions as well!  That should tell you something!

There are a lot of factors to be considered. How long do you plan to keep the loan? Would a fixed or adjustable rate mortgage be best for you? How many points should you pay? What other costs are involved? When should lock in your rate? Based on your needs and situation, your loan officer will show you which mortgage products work best for you. During the whole process, we are there for you to answer your questions with our years of experience.be present (buyer, seller, closing agents and attorneys). You will sign the necessary legal documents, pay your closing costs and escrow items and receive your closing documents.

Now you receive your key, move in and celebrate!