The
Certified
Process

Step One

Building the Foundation

Step 2

Present the Pre-Qualification

Step 3

Procure the Contract

Step 4

Finalize the Approval

Step 5

Enjoy the Closing

STEP ONE: BUILDING THE FOUNDATION:

So you want to buy (or refinance) a house? That may seem intimidating, we get that. Whether you’re a first time home buyer or a seasoned real estate guru investing in your retirement home, CERTIFIED is here to partner with you each step of the way and shed some light on what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming milestone.

First things first – reach out to one of our licensed Loan Originators! Every person on our team is fully vetted and highly trained to be able to tackle a variety of scenarios. With an initial conversation, we’d love to get to know you and your specific home loan needs. We’ll ask things like: where are you looking to purchase, how much would you ideally like to spend on a monthly basis, what type of property are you interested in – are you looking for that high rise condo on the beach, or a single-family home in the burbs for you and the kids? By answering a few simple questions, we can calculate your buying power and help you determine your next steps. Establishing a solid foundation for your loan is essential to make the home buying process seamless.

3 Things You Can Do To Move Your File Along:

  1. Compile questions you have to go over with your Loan Officer. We’re here to try and make this process as seamless as possible.
  2. If purchasing, find a qualified Realtor in your area.
  3. Dust off those legal documents; we’ll need items such as a copy of your IDs, income and asset statements.

STEP TWO: the Pre-Qualification

You’ve done the heavy lifting – gold star. By this time you’ve handed us everything short of your blood type in order for us to put together accurate qualification terms. This customized pre-qualification will outline specific loan type and qualifying power. With this document in hand you’ll be able to confidently submit an offer on your dream property.

3 Things You Can Do To Move Your File Along:

  1. Share your home checklist of wants and needs with your Realtor (don’t worry, they expect it to be unrealistic)
  2. Shop around for properties within your price range.
  3. No sudden movements! Familiarize yourself with CERTIFIED’s do’s + don’ts.

STEP THREE: Procure the Contract

Offer accepted? Congrats, you’re officially under contract! Another milestone complete – up high. At this point, our team will continue to educate you on specific loan options that best suit your needs. While there are many steps to the loan process, it’s our goal to guide you through with ease so you’re comfortable and have a solid understanding of expectations moving forward.

3 Things You Can Do To Move Your File Along:

  1. If your housing search took a bit, we’ll need updated income and asset documents within the last 30 days.
  2. Schedule your home inspection to ensure there are no major deficiencies.
  3. Look into homeowner’s insurance options.

STEP FOUR: Finalize the Approval

You’re in the homestretch. Your Loan Originator is working diligently alongside the Underwriter to cross all ‘T’s and dot the ‘I’s, so to speak. Once all requirements are satisfied, the Underwriter will issue a final commitment; in other words, next stop – closing!

3 Things You Can Do To Move Your File Along:

  1. Respond to your Loan Officer in a timely manner. We’re not trying to pester, but the quicker we receive requested documents and information from you – the quicker you close.
  2. Stay patient! Don’t splurge on those top of the line appliances just yet. Until you sign on the dotted line, any major financial shifts can potentially impact your loan.
  3. Conduct the final walk-thru of your future abode.

STEP FIVE: Enjoy the Closing

This is the step you’ll be most excited about – closing! We’ll help navigate you through the final steps leading up to signing loan documents and celebrate with you after.

3 Things You Can Do To Move Your File Along:

  1. Practice your very best John Handcock, and bring your favorite blue pen to closing.
  2. Schedule a mover (or entice friends + family; pizza and beer normally does the trick) to help you transition.
  3. Reflect on how OUTSTANDING your Loan Officer has been throughout this process. How he/she supplemented as an amateur Physiatrist to get you into that beautiful new home. How he/she took your call after hours to ensure your mortgage was CERTIFIED ready. We absolutely love what we do for our clients, and appreciate the continued support – ready for that five star review when you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know the loan process can seem overwhelming, but rest assured you’re in good hands with CERTIFIED. We’re here to guide you through + answer your questions every step of the way!

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