Six stages from first conversation to keys in hand. We’ve named every one, stated how long it usually takes, and flagged where files actually stall. Nobody publishes this in full, which is precisely why we did.
Six stages, start to keys. Nobody explains this properly, so here it is in full — including the parts where the delays usually happen and what prevents them.
We verify income, assets and credit up front and issue a real pre-approval — not a pre-qualification. The difference matters when you're competing for a house: one is a letter, the other is a lender who has already looked at your file.
You shop with a defined ceiling instead of a guess. If you're working with one of our partner brokerages, your agent and your loan officer are already talking — which removes most of the surprises later.
Once your offer is accepted, the executed contract starts the clock. Option period, earnest money and financing deadlines all key off this date, and we work backwards from it.
Documentation is assembled and the appraisal is ordered. This is where most files stall, and almost always for one reason — a document requested and not returned. We chase it so you don't have to.
An underwriter reviews the complete file and issues conditions. Nearly every loan gets conditions — it is a normal step, not a warning sign. Clearing them quickly is what protects your closing date.
Final numbers are disclosed and you get three business days to review before signing — that window is federal law and cannot be shortened. Then you sign, it funds, and the house is yours.