Your First Home Starts With a Plan

1. 01

   Step 01

   Start With Your Goals

   Every home journey begins with a life you want to build.

   What happens here?

   Our first conversation starts with you: the life you want, your timeline, and what feels comfortable for your family. We listen, answer your questions, and begin shaping a house spending plan together. You don't need to have everything figured out before we talk.

   Your next step

   Bring your questions and a sense of your monthly comfort. Include savings, moving costs, and the money you want to keep for unexpected expenses.

2. 02

   Step 02

   Apply for Your Loan and Provide Documents

   Start your application with Amy by phone or through our online application.

   What happens here?

   You can complete your loan application on a phone call with me or through our online application. This is where you provide your income, employment, Social Security number, and other information needed for your loan review. Our team explains which income and asset documents to gather and how to submit them securely.

   Your next step

   Have your employment and income information ready, along with the income and asset documents our team requests, such as pay statements, tax returns when needed, and bank statements. Use our secure application and document process for sensitive information. If you're unsure what to provide, ask us and we'll walk you through it.

3. 03

   Step 03

   Get Pre-Approved

   Meet with Amy to understand your options and what the numbers mean for your family.

   What happens here?

   We'll meet by Zoom or in person to walk through the homebuying process and the loan options best suited to your situation. Amy helps you understand your maximum purchase price based on the loan review, the estimated money you'll need for your down payment and closing costs, and what your estimated mortgage payment looks like across your price range. Together, we'll connect those numbers to a house spending plan that feels comfortable for your family.

   Your next step

   Bring your questions and share the monthly payment and upfront spending you feel comfortable with. We'll compare options together, explain any remaining pre-approval requirements, and help you choose a home search range that fits your life. Your comfortable price range may be below your maximum purchase price.

4. 04

   Step 04

   Find the Home That Fits

   Now your home search has a clear direction.

   What happens here?

   As your real estate agent helps you explore homes, keep Amy and our team in the conversation. When a home catches your eye, share it with us. We can review its estimated payment and upfront costs with you, so you can see how it fits your spending plan before making an offer.

   Your next step

   Consider taxes, insurance, association dues, and maintenance along with the price. Share your must-haves and where you can be flexible with your agent.

5. 05

   Step 05

   Make an Offer and Get Into Contract on a Home

   Your accepted offer turns your home search into your home purchase.

   What happens here?

   Your real estate agent guides you through making an offer, and Amy and our team help with financing questions. Once the seller accepts and your purchase contract is signed, we coordinate with your agent and escrow team on the next steps. Your earnest money deposit is typically due within three business days of acceptance; your signed contract sets the exact deadline.

   Your next step

   Confirm the deposit amount and due date with your agent. Wire your earnest money from your bank account to escrow using verified instructions. Before sending it, call your escrow contact at a trusted number you already have to confirm the wiring details. Our team will explain what documentation to keep for your loan review.

6. 06

   Step 06

   Sign Your Upfront Disclosures

   Review the numbers for the home you're buying with Amy and our team.

   What happens here?

   Once you're in contract, Amy and our team typically coordinate your rate lock with you at this stage, rather than while you're still house hunting. We'll confirm your locked rate and lock period. Your upfront disclosures lay out the loan terms, projected mortgage payment, closing costs, and cash needed for this specific purchase. We'll review the numbers together so you understand how they fit your family's spending plan. Some costs can still change before closing; we'll explain any updates along the way.

   Your next step

   Review and sign your upfront disclosures, and let us know you're ready to proceed. If an appraisal is required, our team will confirm the fee and arrange a payment link so you can pay by credit card. This is a third-party cost paid upfront. Ask us about anything you want explained before you sign or pay.

7. 07

   Step 07

   Home Inspections | Learn More About the Home

   Understand the home's condition and plan for inspection costs before closing.

   What happens here?

   Your real estate agent typically helps arrange a home inspection with an inspector you choose. This is separate from the appraisal: an inspection looks closely at the home's condition, while the appraisal helps the lender assess its value. Amy and our team help you plan for these upfront costs and explain any inspection requirements for your loan.

   • Home inspection: about $350. A general review of accessible parts of the home and major systems, such as plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, and visible structural components.
   • Pest inspection: about $99. Checks for evidence of wood-destroying pests, such as termites, and related damage.
   • Roof inspection: about $150. A separate look at the roof's condition, signs of leaks, and potential repair needs.

   Plan for about $599 if you choose all three, separate from your appraisal fee. These are planning amounts; confirm each provider's price for your property before ordering. Inspections are generally paid upfront, so set this money aside before closing.

   A general home inspection is usually not a loan requirement, but we recommend it to help you understand what you're buying. Pest, roof, or other inspections may be required depending on the loan or property findings. You and your agent can also decide whether additional specialist inspections would be helpful.

   Your next step

   Ask your agent to coordinate the inspections you choose within your contract deadlines. Attend if you can, ask the inspectors questions, and review the reports with your agent to discuss repairs or further evaluations. Share any concerns that could affect financing with Amy and our team so we can help you understand the next steps.

8. 08

   Step 08

   Loan Underwriting Review | Loan Approval

   Our team submits your loan for review and helps you work through each approval condition.

   What happens here?

   Amy and our team submit your loan file to underwriting. An underwriter reviews your application, income, employment, credit, assets, and property information to determine whether your loan meets the program's requirements. They look at how all the pieces fit together and may ask for clarification or additional documentation.

   A conditional approval is an important step forward. It means the underwriter has approved your loan subject to specific items, called conditions, being completed and reviewed. These might include an updated pay statement or bank statement, documentation of a deposit, or clarification about information in your file. Some conditions are handled by our team or other people involved in the transaction.

   Once we receive your conditional approval, Amy and our team give you an updated list of what we need from you. We'll explain each request, help you understand which documents satisfy it, and guide you through submitting them securely. We then send the completed items back for review and keep you informed about anything still needed before final approval. You have our help every step of the way.

   Your next step

   Check your email at least twice a day during the loan process and respond to our requests promptly so you don't miss an update. If a request is unclear or a document will take time to obtain, let us know right away. Staying in touch helps us work toward your closing timeline together. Check with Amy and our team before changing jobs, opening credit, or moving funds while your loan is being reviewed.

9. 09

   Step 09

   Clear to Close | You're Almost Home!

   This is a milestone worth celebrating: your underwriter has issued the clear to close!

   What happens here?

   Amy and our team get to share exciting news: the underwriter has completed the approval review and cleared your loan to move into closing. You've worked through the conditions with us, and now it's time to arrange your final signing. We coordinate with escrow or your closing team to schedule your appointment with a notary and explain the remaining steps before funding.

   Your next step

   We'll review your Closing Disclosure with you, including your payment, closing costs, and cash to close. For most home purchase mortgages, you must receive it at least three business days before closing; it may arrive before the clear to close. Confirm your signing availability and ask us any remaining questions. Take a moment to celebrate: you're almost home!

10. 10

    Step 10

    Sign Final Loan Documents | Final Walkthrough

    Put pen to paper and take one last look at the home before closing.

    What happens here?

    At your signing appointment, the notary verifies your identity and witnesses or notarizes the required signatures. You'll review and sign your final loan documents, including the note with your repayment terms and the document that secures the loan against the home. Amy and our team are available to explain loan terms or numbers before you sign. The signed package is then returned for review so the lender can complete the funding steps.

    Your next step

    Bring the identification requested for your signing and allow time to read and ask questions. Separately, your agent arranges the final walkthrough to check the home's condition and any agreed repairs. Raise concerns with your agent before closing. Signing and the walkthrough may happen in a different order; signing alone does not mean it's time to collect your keys.

11. 11

    Step 11

    Loan Funding & Recording | Making It Official

    Your signed documents and closing funds come together to complete the purchase.

    What happens here?

    After the signed documents are reviewed and any remaining funding requirements are satisfied, the lender releases the loan funds to escrow or the closing agent. They combine those funds with your remaining cash to close, handle the required payments, and arrange recording of the ownership and loan documents with the county. Amy and our team stay in touch with your closing team and keep you informed as these final pieces come together. Funding and recording may happen on different days.

    Your next step

    Confirm your final cash-to-close amount and payment deadline with escrow or your closing agent. Before wiring money, call that contact at a trusted number you already have to verify the instructions. Wait for confirmation that closing is complete and check your contract's possession timing with your agent before arranging your move or key pickup.

12. 12

    Step 12

    Get the Keys to Your Home!

    You did it! It's time to celebrate your new home and the life you'll build there.

    What happens here?

    Once closing is confirmed and it's time for possession under your contract, your real estate agent coordinates handing you the keys. Open the door, take it in, and enjoy this moment. Amy and our team are so excited to celebrate with you. From your first questions to this front-door moment, it's been a privilege to be part of your journey.

    Your next step

    Celebrate, take your first photo at home, and make a little time to enjoy what you've accomplished! Keep your closing documents safe and confirm when and where to make your first mortgage payment. Stay in touch with Amy and our team as questions come up. We're here to help you find the answers as you settle into homeownership.

Your path may look a little different. Some steps happen at the same time; your contract, loan program, and closing team determine the details and timing. We’ll help you understand what comes next for you.