The Process
The loan approval process generally begins with an initial interview where you and a mortgage professional discuss the potential loan. You can send information to your mortgage professional before the meeting to verify your income and long term debts.
You may prefer to talk with your mortgage professional before house hunting to determine in advance how much you can afford and the mortgage amount for which you can qualify. This step is called pre-qualification and can save you time and trouble by making certain you are looking in the correct price range.
To complete the 1003 Mortgage Application, you will need to gather:
- A purchase contract for the house (if you have one)
- Your bank account numbers and the address of your bank branch, along with checking and savings account statements for the previous 2-3 months
- Pay stubs, W2 withholding forms, tax returns for two years, or other proof of employment, and income verification
- Credit card bills for the past few billing periods, or canceled checks for rent or utility bill payments, to show payment history and amount of revolving debt
- Information on other consumer debt such as car loans, furniture loans, student loans and retail credit cards
- Balance sheets and tax returns, if you are self-employed
- Any gift letters, if you are using a gift from a parent or relative or other organization to help pay the down payment and/or closing costs. This letter simply states that the money is in fact a gift and will not have to be repaid.
Having these items on hand when you visit the mortgage company will help speed up the mortgage application process. Usually, an appraisal fee will have to be paid when you submit the mortgage application. After you speak with us, you should have a general idea if you qualify for the size and type of loan you want. After the mortgage aplication, we will let you know if you qualify for the loan within a couple of days.
After the Mortgage Application
We will begin the work of verifying all the information you've provided.
This process can take anywhere from one to four weeks, depending on the type of mortgage you choose, whether you're buying a home outside your local community, or a host of other factors.
Within three business days after your signed application, we will give you a good faith estimate of your closing costs. You will also receive a statement that shows your estimated monthly payment, the cost of your finance charges, and other facts about your mortgage.
Stay in touch with us to speed up the application process. Some home buyers find the closing process to be one of the most intimidating aspects of buying a home because it's so unfamiliar. If this is a concern for you as well, ask us what to expect at your closing.
Once you receive your approval, and you're waiting to close on the sale of the home, don't go on a shopping spree. The mortgage lender may do a final check of your credit report or bank accounts to make sure you're not assuming more debt or spending your cash reserves. There are steps you can take if your loan is denied.