The first step to this process is to submit a home loan application either in person, over the phone or through my website. I will then collect your supporting documents via a secure portal, and pull your credit report.

Once you have put in an offer on your desired home, and it is accepted, then we can set up a meeting to discuss financing options. During this time we will discuss mortgages and locking in an interest rate.

Once the loan package has been submitted for underwriting, an appraisal will be done on the home. The appraisal is done by an independent contractor, who will have their own turnaround time, and collect an outside fee via debit or credit card.

During this time, all outstanding conditions have been satisfied, and the appraisal report has been submitted. The underwriter will issue you a “Closing Disclosure” form that you will need to acknowledge. You will then need to wait a mandated 3 days before closing can actually occur.

So when can you officially move in? This depends on the “possession date” determined in your contract with the seller. It is common for this to occur at the same time as the registration, but I would recommend discussing this with your real estate agent.