Loan Program Process
House Hunting
Once you’ve worked toward mortgage pre-approval, the next step is finding a home that fits your needs and budget. We recommend working with a knowledgeable real estate agent who can help you navigate the local market, prepare an offer, and understand the purchase contract.
As you move through this stage, we’ll help you understand how your purchase contract and timeline affect the mortgage process. Below are three steps to help you move from searching for a home to getting under contract.
Step 1: Choose a Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent who knows the area you’re interested in can help you find suitable properties, evaluate your options, and negotiate an offer. Look for someone who communicates clearly, understands the local market, and can explain the terms and deadlines involved in a home purchase.
We can help connect you with a real estate professional familiar with the North Texas market.
Learn more about How to Select a Realtor in Texas.
Step 2: Find a Home and Make an Offer
Work with your real estate agent to find a home that fits your needs and budget. Consider the purchase price, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, and other costs that may affect your monthly expenses.
When you find a home you want to buy, your agent can help you prepare an offer and negotiate the purchase price and contract terms. Before signing, make sure you understand the contract’s deadlines, contingencies, and financial obligations.
Your contract can also affect the mortgage timeline, so it’s important to coordinate the proposed closing date and financing requirements with us.
Learn more about Writing a Mortgage Lender-Friendly Contract.
Step 3: Get Under Contract and Prepare for the Mortgage Process
Once your offer is accepted, you’ll need to meet the requirements and deadlines outlined in your purchase contract. Depending on your agreement, this may include submitting earnest money and option fees, scheduling a home inspection, and deciding whether a home warranty makes sense for you.
- Understand Option and Earnest Money.
- Learn what to consider when scheduling a Home Inspection.
- Explore whether a Home Warranty is right for you.
Let us know as soon as you have an executed purchase contract. We’ll help you understand the mortgage-related next steps and work with you to keep the financing process moving toward closing.
For more details about contract deadlines and preparing for financing, visit our Execute Contract and Mortgage Prep guide.
What’s Next?
Once you have a signed purchase contract, we’ll move forward with the next stages of your mortgage, which may include reviewing your documentation, ordering an appraisal, and completing underwriting.
Continue to our Mortgage Loan Process guide to learn what to expect as we work toward closing.