Your Loan Journey: What to Expect From Start to Finish
Buying a home is exciting, and we’re here to keep the process smooth, simple, and on time. Once your loan details are finalized (things like program, rate, and costs) and we receive your executed purchase contract, the real work begins.
Remember: most contracts allow just 20 working days in a 30-day window, and each step depends on the one before it. Staying responsive early helps ensure your loan closes right on schedule.
> 1. Loan Packaging
This is where your loan officially takes shape.
- You’ll give us the “Green Light” to move forward.
- We’ll send you your Loan Package, which includes key disclosures and documents for review.
- You’ll sign and return your loan package, along with any remaining items listed on your Document Checklist.

Once everything’s received, we can send your file to our
Setup Team to begin ordering the third-party services needed to move your loan along.
> 2. Setup & Third-Party Orders
At this stage, your file is officially in motion.
- Our Setup Team reviews your file and may request a few additional documents.
- We order key third-party items such as your appraisal, title work, insurance, and survey.
It’s important to keep an eye on your email during this time, quick responses to requests help us keep your file moving forward without delay.
> 3. Credit Approval
Your loan is now credit-approved, meaning your documents have been reviewed and approved. We may still be waiting on a few third-party items, like the appraisal or insurance, before we can move to full approval.
Pro Tip:
The faster we receive these items, the smoother the rest of your journey will be.
> 4. Appraisal Stage
Your appraisal confirms that the home’s value supports the loan amount. It’s typically ordered early in the process and performed by an independent, licensed appraiser. Here’s what to expect:
- The appraiser will inspect the home (either in person or via a “drive-by” appraisal).
- The report will consider comparable sales, market conditions, and neighborhood data, not necessarily interior décor or minor improvements.
- The appraisal primarily protects the lender, but it benefits you too by confirming the home isn’t overvalued and helping determine your equity position.
Good to Know: Appraisals can vary by neighborhood and market trends. If you ever have questions about the appraised value, we’re here to walk through the details with you.
> 5. Full Approval
Once the appraisal and remaining third-party items are received, your file goes back to underwriting for final review.
- The underwriter verifies both credit and collateral (the property).
- Any final documentation requests will be shared with you promptly.
Once all conditions are met, we’ll issue your
Clear to Close (CTC), meaning you’re officially ready for the final stretch!
> 6. TRID & Closing Disclosure (CD)
Before closing, federal regulations require that you receive your Closing Disclosure (CD) at least 3 business days prior to signing. This gives you time to review the final loan details, costs, and payment structure.
Once your title company and our team confirm everything matches, we’ll send the final closing documents to title/escrow for signing.
> 7. Closing & Funding
It’s closing day — congratulations! Here’s what to expect:

- You’ll sign all final loan documents at your title company or through a mobile notary (remote closings available).
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- If funds are due, you’ll either wire them or bring a certified check from your bank.
- Always call the title company directly to confirm wiring instructions before sending money.
- Once everything is signed and verified, the file is sent for
funding, and then, the home is yours!
> 8. Underwriting Tips (During Conditional Approval)
While your loan is conditionally approved, here’s how to keep everything on track:
- Keep your financial documents handy in case we need updated copies.
- Avoid big financial changes, like opening new credit lines, large purchases, or switching jobs.
- Start prepping for your move: utilities, internet, and any home services.
You’re in the home stretch now — sit back, relax, and let us handle the final details. We’ll reach out right away if anything needs your attention.