How does the mortgage process work

Didier Malagies • April 3, 2023

Pre-approval: Before you start looking for a home, you may want to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This involves submitting an application to a lender and providing information about your income, assets, and debts. The lender will then review your application and credit history to determine how much you can borrow and at what interest rate.


Home search: Once you have a pre-approval, you can start looking for homes within your budget. You may work with a real estate agent to find properties that meet your needs.


Purchase offer: When you find a home you want to buy, you will make an offer to the seller. Your offer will include the purchase price, any contingencies (such as a home inspection or financing), and the proposed closing date.


Mortgage application: If your offer is accepted, you will need to submit a formal mortgage application to the lender. This will involve providing additional documentation, such as bank statements, pay stubs, and tax returns.


Home appraisal: The lender will typically require an appraisal to confirm the value of the property. This will involve an inspection by a licensed appraiser who will assess the condition of the home and compare it to recent sales of similar properties in the area.


Underwriting: Once the appraisal is complete and your application is submitted, the lender will review your application and supporting documentation to determine whether you qualify for the loan. This process is called underwriting.


Closing: If you are approved for the mortgage, you will need to attend a closing meeting. At the closing, you will sign all the necessary paperwork and pay any closing costs, which may include fees for the appraisal, title search, and attorney fees. Once the closing is complete, you will officially become the owner of the home and the mortgage payments will begin.

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By Didier Malagies June 23, 2025
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