Your next home.
A clear path to get there.

Talk with your loan officer about where you want to buy and a monthly payment you would feel comfortable with. If you also have a home to sell, bring that into the conversation early.

Your income, employment, assets, debts, and authorized credit review help establish the picture behind your financing. Your loan officer can explain which records are needed for your circumstances.

If the review supports a preapproval, the letter gives you an indication of potential borrowing capacity and can accompany an offer. Read its conditions and expiration date. A preapproval is not final loan approval or a guarantee of financing.

Ask your loan officer to revisit the payment for a particular property: taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and the property itself can change the financing picture.

Review the deposit, financing and inspection contingencies, and deadlines with your agent or attorney. Arrange inspections within the contract deadlines.

Representing a buyer? See how to work with AMCFG as a real estate agent.

The Loan Estimate describes the proposed loan terms, payment, and estimated costs. For most purchase mortgages, it must be delivered or mailed within three business days after the lender receives the six required application details, including the property address. It can arrive before this point in the journey; you do not need a signed purchase contract or a complete document packet to receive it.

Compare estimates for the same kind of loan and ask about anything that differs from your expectations. Discuss whether your rate is locked, when a lock expires, and any extension costs. Receiving an estimate does not mean your loan has been approved or that you have committed to that lender.

During processing, the loan team gathers and checks the information supporting your application. Expect follow-up requests for missing pages, updated statements, or an explanation of funds. Your lender also arranges any required appraisal or valuation and reviews the property information.

Shop for homeowners insurance and coordinate the required coverage and effective date with your lender. Property questions, appraisal results, or insurance requirements may need attention before the file can move forward.

The lender's underwriter evaluates your ability to repay and whether the borrower, property, and loan meet its requirements. This includes verifying income, assets, debts, credit history, and the relationship between the loan amount and property value.

A conditional approval means there are still requirements to satisfy. These might involve additional documentation, an explanation, or a property issue. The file may move between processing and underwriting as information is reviewed. Your loan officer remains your point of contact while the lender makes its credit decision.

This work often starts once you are under contract and runs alongside the lender's review. The title or settlement team checks the property's ownership records and works to resolve issues that could affect the transfer. Your closing may be handled by a title company, settlement agent, or attorney, depending on the transaction.

Ask which closing services you can shop for, compare fees, and confirm your choice with the lender. The settlement team coordinates the closing documents and funds with the parties involved.

For most purchase mortgages, you must receive the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. Compare it with your most recent Loan Estimate. Check the loan terms, payment, fees, credits, and amount needed to close, and ask for explanations or corrections before signing.

Down payment

Your contribution toward the home's price, separate from the amount financed.

Closing costs

Loan and transaction costs, such as lender and title fees, prepaid items, and any initial escrow deposit.

Cash to close

The final amount due after your down payment, costs, credits, deposit already paid, and other adjustments are accounted for.

Ask for the other closing documents in advance too, including the note, mortgage or deed of trust, and deed. Receiving a Closing Disclosure does not by itself mean every lender condition has been cleared.

Confirm that outstanding requirements are satisfied and that closing is scheduled. Complete the final walk-through with your agent, confirm what identification and payment method to bring, and allow time to read the documents and ask questions.

Signing, funding, recording, and possession may happen at different times. Confirm the arrangements with your settlement team and agent. After closing, keep your documents and confirm your first payment date and where to send it.