How we work, from first call to keys
You get clear steps, honest timing and one person who knows your file. Here is what to expect.
You ask
You answer a few short questions online, or call or text Daniel. Ranges and estimates are fine, and there is no obligation.
About a minute onlineDaniel prepares your plan
Daniel starts your Mortgage Plan from your answers. It shows each loan option side by side: payment, cash to close and cost over time.
Before your meeting
You finish it together
You book a time with Daniel, by phone, video or in person, to finish your plan. Your Mortgage Plan then arrives by email. You talk through your plans, income, savings and debts, and you leave knowing what is realistic and what comes next.
About 20–30 minutesCredit and firm numbers
When you are ready to move forward, Daniel orders your credit report with your permission, and the numbers firm up. We review your documents, compare programs and lenders, and issue a pre-approval letter so your offer is taken seriously.
Often the same weekOffer and lock
When your offer is accepted, the loan is set in motion, and you will know your timeline and what we need from you. Your rate can be locked once there is an accepted contract on a home, your documents and credit are in, and the loan is approved through automated underwriting (a refinance needs no contract). When you are ready and the numbers look right, you lock.
Offer acceptedAppraisal and underwriting
The lender orders the appraisal and reviews your file. If they ask for anything else, we tell you exactly what and why. For rural homes, wells and septic, we arrange the extra tests early.
About 2–4 weeksClear to close
You receive your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. We go through it with you line by line and match it to your Mortgage Plan.
3+ days before closingClosing and keys
You sign, the funds transfer and you receive the keys. After closing, you can ask for a refinance comparison at any time; we run it against your current loan.
About 30–45 days from offer
What to have ready
- Pay stubs for the last 30 days
- W-2s for the last two years
- Two years of tax returns if you are self-employed or have rental or other income
- Two months of bank and retirement statements, all pages
- A photo ID
- For VA loans, your Certificate of Eligibility, or we can request it for you
We will tell you if your situation requires anything else. Please do not email account numbers or Social Security numbers. We will give you a secure way to send documents.
Between offer and closing
- Keep your employment steady, or tell us first about any change
- Avoid opening new credit or financing furniture
- Avoid moving large sums without a paper trail
- Before you send money, confirm the wire instructions: call the title company at the number on your contract, and call Daniel
If you are new to the process, the first home path walks through each step in more detail.
Take the first step
Start with a few questions, or book a time to talk.