MORTGAGE GUIDES & CHECKLISTS

Everything You Need to Prepare for Your Mortgage

Whether you're preparing to buy a home, getting ready for a mortgage application, or considering a refinance, use these resources to understand what to expect and prepare for the next step.

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HOMEBUYER GUIDE

Your Roadmap From Pre Approval to Closing

Buying a home involves several important steps. Use this guide to understand what typically happens throughout the mortgage and homebuying process.

01

Understand Your Budget

Consider the potential mortgage payment along with property taxes, homeowners insurance, association fees when applicable, closing costs, and other homeownership expenses.

02

Get Pre Approved

A mortgage pre approval can help you understand potential financing options before you begin seriously shopping for a home.

03

Explore Your Loan Options

Financing may include Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, down payment assistance, or other programs depending on eligibility and circumstances.

04

Find Your Home

Work with a real estate professional, evaluate properties, and keep your mortgage team informed during the search.

05

Make an Offer

An offer may involve purchase price, earnest money, financing terms, seller concessions, inspection provisions, and other contract terms.

06

Complete Your Mortgage Application

After a property is under contract, complete the mortgage application and provide the information and documentation requested for the transaction.

07

Processing, Appraisal & Underwriting

The lender reviews documentation, verifies applicable information, evaluates the property when required, and completes underwriting.

08

Prepare for Closing

Review final documents, confirm funds and instructions, complete outstanding requirements, and prepare for settlement.

09

Closing Day

Sign final documents and complete the transaction according to the closing process.

MORTGAGE CHECKLIST

Get Your Mortgage Documents Organized

The documents needed for a mortgage can vary by borrower, property, loan program, and lender. Use this checklist as a general starting point for organizing information that may be requested.

Mortgage Checklist 0 of 0 Complete

IDENTIFICATION & PERSONAL INFORMATION

INCOME & EMPLOYMENT

ASSETS & FUNDS

CURRENT HOUSING INFORMATION

PROPERTY INFORMATION

SELF EMPLOYED BORROWERS

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION

REFINANCE CHECKLIST

Prepare for Your Refinance

If you're considering refinancing, getting organized before you apply can help you better understand your current mortgage, your goals, and the information that may be needed during the process.

01

BEFORE YOU APPLY

  • Identify your refinance goal
  • Review your current mortgage
  • Review your current mortgage balance and payment
  • Consider how long you expect to own the property
  • Gather basic property information
  • Think about whether you want to access home equity
02

INFORMATION TO PREPARE

  • Identification
  • Income documentation when applicable
  • Asset documentation when applicable
  • Current mortgage statement
  • Homeowners insurance information
  • Property tax information
  • Additional documentation depending on the loan program
03

DURING THE PROCESS

  • Complete the mortgage application
  • Review required disclosures
  • Provide requested documentation
  • Complete any required property evaluation or appraisal
  • Respond to underwriting requests
  • Review final loan information
  • Prepare for closing

WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH?

A Helpful Starting Point

Mortgage documentation and requirements can vary based on the borrower, property, transaction, loan program, lender, and other factors. These guides are intended as general educational resources and are not a complete list of requirements.

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