Loan Program Process
Qualify for a Mortgage
Qualifying for a mortgage starts with understanding your options, sharing your financial information, and determining which loan programs may fit your needs. The process begins with three steps: doing your homework, applying online, and getting pre-approved.
We’ll guide you through each step, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. If you’re financing a newly constructed home, visit our Construction Home Loan page for additional guidance.
Step 1: Do Your Homework
Before applying for a mortgage, take time to understand your financial situation and explore your options. Consider your credit history, income, existing debts, available savings, and the costs of buying a home.
Our resources can help you understand the basics, prepare for the application process, and learn what lenders consider when evaluating a mortgage. We also encourage you to choose a lender you trust and feel comfortable working with.
- Review our Home Loan Basics to understand mortgage payments, down payments, closing costs, and interest rates.
- Read our Do’s and Don’ts of Mortgage Financing before making financial changes during the loan process.
- Explore our Credit Score Overview to learn how credit can affect mortgage qualification.
- Learn what to consider when choosing a mortgage lender.
Step 2: Apply Online
When you’re ready to move forward, complete our online mortgage application. We’ll review your information with you, discuss your goals, and help identify loan programs that may fit your financial situation.
Provide accurate information about your income, employment, assets, debts, and other financial details. After reviewing your application, we’ll explain what additional documentation is needed and guide you through the next steps.
Apply Online to get started.
Step 3: Get Pre-Approved
After your application is submitted, we’ll work with you to review the required documentation and evaluate your potential mortgage options. This may include verifying your income, employment, assets, debts, and other information relevant to your loan.
A pre-approval can help you understand your potential borrowing range and prepare for the home search. It is not a guarantee of final loan approval; final approval is subject to applicable lending requirements, verification, underwriting, and property-related conditions.
What’s Next?
Once you’re ready to begin your home search, it’s time to put your preparation to work. Use your pre-approval as a guide when considering homes and setting your budget. Keep us informed as your plans take shape so we can help you understand how your financing fits into your home purchase.
As you find a home, your loan details may need to be updated based on the property, purchase price, and other factors. We’ll help you understand the next steps in the mortgage process as you move toward closing.
Ready to start looking? Explore our House Hunting guide.