Resources

The process, a payment estimate, and the terms worth knowing.

A plain-language look at how a loan moves from first conversation to closing, a quick calculator to estimate a monthly payment, and a short glossary of terms that come up along the way.

The process

From first call to clear-to-close.

01

Initial conversation

A review of your goals, timeline, income, and credit picture to establish realistic borrowing power before anything is submitted anywhere.

02

Pre-qualification

A preliminary assessment of what you can likely borrow, useful for house-hunting or setting a refinance target.

03

Document collection

Income, asset, and identification documentation is gathered and organized for submission to the matched lender.

04

Lender shopping & program match

Your file is priced across the wholesale lender panel to identify the best-fit program and rate structure.

05

Formal application

The loan application is submitted to the selected lender, along with initial disclosures required by federal and state regulation.

06

Processing & underwriting

The lender's underwriting team reviews the full file. Additional documentation may be requested during this stage.

07

Clear to close

Final approval is issued, closing figures are confirmed, and a closing date is scheduled with your title company or attorney.

08

Closing & funding

Documents are signed, the loan is funded, and — for a purchase — keys change hands.

Estimate a payment

Rough out a monthly principal & interest payment.

This estimate covers principal and interest only — it does not include taxes, insurance, HOA dues, or mortgage insurance. Use it as a starting point, not a quote.

$0 estimated monthly principal & interest

Estimate only. Actual payment will vary by lender, program, credit profile, taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and mortgage insurance where applicable. Not a quote or a commitment to lend.

Glossary

Terms worth knowing.

APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
The cost of a loan expressed as a yearly rate, including certain fees in addition to the interest rate — used to compare the total cost of different loan offers.
DTI (Debt-to-Income Ratio)
The percentage of gross monthly income that goes toward debt payments, including the proposed mortgage. Lenders use this to gauge repayment capacity.
Escrow
An account, often managed by the loan servicer, that collects a portion of property taxes and insurance each month and pays them when due.
LTV (Loan-to-Value Ratio)
The loan amount expressed as a percentage of the property's value or purchase price — a key factor in pricing and mortgage insurance requirements.
Origination Fee
A fee charged by the lender or broker for processing a loan application, typically expressed as a percentage of the loan amount.
PMI / MIP
Private Mortgage Insurance (conventional loans) or Mortgage Insurance Premium (FHA loans) — insurance that protects the lender when the down payment is below a certain threshold.
Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval
Pre-qualification is a preliminary estimate based on self-reported information. Pre-approval typically involves verified documentation and carries more weight with sellers.
Rate Lock
An agreement that holds a specific interest rate for a defined period while a loan moves through processing and underwriting.

Questions about your specific situation?

Every file is different. The fastest way to a real answer is a direct conversation.