The Mortgage Process

Your Home Loan, Step by Step

What to Expect From Application to Closing

Buying or refinancing a home can feel like a lot of moving pieces, but the process is much easier when you know what comes next. From application and documentation through underwriting, final approval, and closing, I’ll help you understand each stage and keep you informed along the way.

Jennifer Chicano guiding homebuyers through the mortgage process

The 6 Stages of the Mortgage Process

Here’s what happens from the moment you apply through the day you get the keys.

1

Application

This is where we gather the basics about your income, assets, credit, property goals, and loan needs. I’ll review the information with you, answer questions, and help identify the loan options that make the most sense for your situation.

2

Documentation

Next, we collect the documents needed to verify the information on your application, which may include income, assets, identification, and other supporting items. Getting these documents in early helps keep the loan moving and reduces last-minute surprises.

3

Processing

Once your application and documents are in, the loan moves into processing. This is where the file is reviewed for completeness, third-party items such as the appraisal and title work are ordered or collected, and any missing information is identified before underwriting.

4

Underwriting

The underwriter reviews the loan file to make sure it meets the guidelines for the loan program. They may ask for additional documents or clarification before issuing approval, and I’ll help you work through any conditions that come back.

5

Final Approval

Once the underwriting conditions are satisfied, the loan moves toward final approval. We’ll confirm the remaining closing details, review anything still outstanding, and make sure the file is ready for the final disclosures and closing process.

6

Closing

This is the finish line. You’ll review and sign your final loan documents, bring any required funds to closing, and once everything is completed and funded, the transaction is officially wrapped up.

Guidance You Can Count On

Mortgage Expertise

Experienced guidance for a wide range of financing needs. From conventional, FHA and VA loans to jumbo, investment, self-employed and other specialized financing, I help borrowers understand their options and make informed decisions.

Broker Advantage

More lenders. More options. A strategy built around you. As a mortgage broker, I can compare programs and pricing from multiple lenders rather than being limited to one bank’s products.

Personal Guidance

You’ll have a real person in your corner. I stay involved throughout the process, answer questions, communicate clearly, and help keep your financing moving from our first conversation through closing.