No mystery, no jargon. Here’s exactly how your loan moves from first call to closing day.
The five stages
1. Talk to Me (Day 0–1). We start with a conversation, not an application. In about 15 minutes I’ll learn what you’re buying or refinancing, your timeline, and your comfort zone for payment and cash to close. You’ll leave the call knowing which programs fit and what to do next.
2. Application & Pre-Approval (Days 1–3). Complete the secure online application through Loan Factory and upload your documents — ID, income, assets, and debts (full checklist on the Mortgage Basics page). I verify what I can up front and issue a pre-approval that’s been genuinely reviewed, so sellers and agents can trust it.
3. Shopping & Lock (Days 2–5). I price your loan across 240+ lenders in real time, present the strongest options with full cost breakdowns, and we lock the rate when you’re satisfied. You’ll see the same numbers I see.
4. Processing & Appraisal (Weeks 1–3). Underwriting reviews the file while the appraisal and title work proceed. Conditions — requests for an extra document or explanation — are normal, not a red flag. I collect them once, explain each in plain English, and keep your agent and you updated at every milestone.
5. Closing (Typically Days 30–45). Final numbers arrive on your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing, and we review them together against your original estimate — no surprise fees. Then you sign, fund, and get your keys (or your new loan terms).
After closing: your file stays with me, not a call center. I monitor rates against your loan and call you if a streamline or refinance would genuinely save you money.
Timelines are typical estimates, not guarantees — complexity, appraisal scheduling, and how quickly documents come back all affect closing dates.