The Loan Process

An Overview of the Loan Process

There are many steps involved in obtaining a home mortgage. Buying a home may be the most exciting, confusing and stressful financial transaction you ever undertake. Even if you have done it several times you can still find the process complicated and intimidating, particularly when it comes to getting a mortgage loan. At GFI, we take care of the all the financing logistics so you can concentrate on what's important -- preparing to move into your new home.

Pre-Qualify for the Loan

Pre-qualification occurs before the loan process actually begins, and is usually the first step after initial contact is made. The lender gathers information about the income and debts of the borrower and makes a financial determination about how much house the borrower may be able to afford.

Application

The application is actually the beginning of the loan process. The buyer (or borrower) completes a mortgage application with the loan officer and supplies all of the required documentation for processing. Various fees and down payments are discussed at this time and the borrower will receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and a Truth-In-Lending statement (TIL) within three days that itemizes the rates and associated costs for obtaining the loan.

Processing

The "processor" reviews the credit reports and verifies the borrower's debts and payment histories. If there are unacceptable late payments, collections for judgment, etc., a written explanation is required from the borrower. The processor also reviews the appraisal and survey and checks for property issues that may require further discernment. The processor's job is to put together an entire package that may be underwritten by the lender.

Underwriting

The underwriter is responsible for determining whether the combined package passed over by the processor is deemed as an acceptable loan. If more information is needed, the loan is put into "suspense" and the borrower is contacted to supply more documentation.

Mortgage Insurance

Mortgage insurance underwriting occurs when the borrower has less than 20% of the loan amount to put towards a down payment. At this time, the loan is submitted to a private mortgage guaranty insurer, who provides extra insurance to the lender in case of default.

Pre-Closing

During pre-closing the title insurance is ordered, all approval contingencies, if any, are met, and a closing time is scheduled for the loan.

Closing

At the closing, the lender "funds" the loan with a cashier's check, draft or wire to the selling party in exchange for the title to the property. This is the point at which the borrower finishes the loan process and actually buys the house.