The mortgage process can seem overwhelming, especially to someone who has never been through it. Below is a quick run-through of the process, just so you'll know what to expect. Throughout the process I am there to answer your questions and make sure you know what's going on. But I don't do it alone!
My team is smart, dedicated, knowledgeable, experienced, kind to children and animals, color coordinated, can drive a stick-shift and can sing the National Anthem…at the same time. I simply can't say enough about them. Being surrounded by great people is essential to making sure the loan process is smooth and efficient. Jenny Ford is my Sr. Loan Processor with 13 years of mortgage experience and she is blessed with a keen mind and a sharp wit - both of which make her an incredible part of my team. With over 18 years in the mortgage industry and over seven of them working with me Joan Christensen, my loan coordinator, jumps in wherever she's needed to keep things running smoothly and helps me retain my sanity. Joan's job is primarily behind the scenes, but her contributions run far and wide. To say the least - she is invaluable!
As you can see….we work hard and we play hard!
Step One: The application process
1-5 days
First I usually sit down with you to get to know your unique situation and goals and go through "Mortgage 101" so you will get ALL of your questions answered. Then we gather all the documentation needed for you to get you a loan. The typical documentation includes:
- Past two years' W-2 forms
- Current Pay stubs for one month
- Most recent 401k, IRA, Stocks/Bonds Statements
- Two months of recent bank statements
- Current Mortgage or Rental Info
- Insurance agent Name & Number
- Copy of your driver's license
Tip: This step can really swing if you keep good records.
Step Two: Getting the loan approved
1-5 days
Here, we deal with the Golden Rule of lending: "Those who have the gold make the rules". My job is to make you look as attractive as possible to the lender. I look over all your information and determine the best course of action to get you approved. Here, we put my problem-solving skills to work if a challenge comes up with your situation.
Tip: You need to be prepared for any requests by the lender for information. Third parties such as employers and landlords can slow us down here.
Step Three: Finding your dream house
Days or weeks
With the loan approval process complete, you know how much house you can afford. Now it's time to find your dream house. You'll make an offer, maybe a counteroffer or two. Then, once your offer is accepted, a closing date will be set ... and it's time to think about locking your rate in. Get the home inspected and negotiate with the seller to get any problems fixed. Then we get an appraisal completed. We're entering the home stretch here.
Tip: Don't rush too much here. It's important to find the right house.
Step Four: Signing for your home
1-2 days
A few days before the scheduled closing date, the escrow company will receive your loan documents and prepare them for you and the seller's signatures. They coordinate between all the parties such as the seller, the seller's mortgage holder, Gary's office, you - and make sure the money goes where it's supposed to.
Tip: You won't get much advance notice here, so be ready for the escrow company's call - and for writer's cramp!
Step Five: Shangri-La
1-2 days
After all the documents have been signed they're returned to the lender for review. With everything in order - the "i's" properly dotted and the "t's" properly crossed - the lender authorizes funding of the loan. The money changes hands, your name is recorded for all eternity at the county courthouse, and the house is yours!
Tip: Rarely does anything go awry here, but if it does, I'll be at your side to make sure it gets taken care of.
TIME TO CELEBRATE!
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