How To Apply For A Mortgage Loan

How To Apply


Before you shop for a home, it’s smart to determine how much of a home you can afford. That’s why our Home BuyabilityTM Test is so useful. It should also make you feel more comfortable about applying for a mortgage and save you time when you begin looking for a home. And our Mortgage Payment Calculator will help you determine how much your monthly payment might be based on today’s interest rates.

Before you begin shopping for a home, it’s always a good idea to get yourself pre-qualified with a bank for a mortgage. Equally important, you should consider doing this before you make an offer to buy a particular home. To make it easy, check our BankSITE® Directory. Many of the banks listed in our Directory have pre-qualification programs for mortgage loans and you’ll find them eager to help you.

However, it should be pointed out that “pre-qualification” is not the same as “pre-approval”. Pre-qualification is an approximation of how much of a mortgage you may be able to get provided your credit history, employment, property appraisal and other information checks out.

Once you’ve made your offer on a particular home and it’s been accepted, it’s time to apply for your financing.

First, decide whether you want a conventional, fixed rate mortgage or an adjustable rate mortgage. And remember that not all mortgages are alike, so do your research carefully. Our section on Mortgage Shopping Tips shows you some of the things you should consider. Then, based on the requirements of the bank, just collect the information you need (we’ve provided a typical Mortgage Loan Application, but additional information may be required later. You can fill out an application now and print it, so you can drop it off at the bank. Or some banks are set up so you can email it to them.

 

 

What Happens Next?

When the bank receives your application they will collect additional information including…

  • An Appraisal (you’ll need to supply the lender with a legal description of the property. They may require other information, as well.)
  • Title search
  • Inspections
  • Verification of Employment
  • Verification of Assets and Investments
  • Credit Check
  • Additional documents from you based on your particular circumstances.

Once this information is gathered, the bank will make a final determination on your mortgage loan request. you’ll be contacted if additional information is required based on your particular situation. And once you’re approved, you’ll be able to move on quickly to closing.

 

Mortgage Application Checklist

This checklist gives you a general idea about what documents are required by most banks when you apply for a mortgage. Its based on a typical individual applying at a typical financial institution. However since your situation is unique, your lender may require other documentation. So, if your bank asks for more information, be cooperative and provide the information requested as soon as possible. It will help speed up the application process.

 

 

A Tip About Time

Once you’ve begun the application process, relax! Although most lenders can tell you fairly early on whether they think you’ll be approved, it can take several weeks for most lenders to gather the necessary documentation to approve a mortgage.

That’s because banks are owned by shareholders (members of the public, just like you and me) and they are required to do a lot of things to protect their investments, called “due diligence.” So expect the property appraisal, title search, credit and employment check, etc., to take a little time.