Getting pre-approved is the most important step for anyone considering buying a home. We can pre-approve you online, or over the phone. See Apply Online for more information.

We’ve compiled a list of dos and don’ts, some frequently asked questions and answers, a glossary, and a document checklist to help you become more familiar with the home loan process.

• Get pre-qualified or pre-approved as soon as possible!
• Use a competent, experienced, and professional Realtor. Ask if you need a referral.
• Gather the documents you’ll need to submit with your loan application. Some loans do not require income or asset verification - ask your loan officer about these programs! See our Documentation Checklist for a list of common documents.
• Get a credit report run as soon as possible. Submit all the documents necessary to obtain a credit approval ASAP.
• Get advice from your loan officer before deciding to use cash to pay off debt. Paying off debt does not always guarantee you can qualify for more home.
• Plan to have about two months of payments in cash reserves in your bank account after the close of escrow.

• Believe everything your neighbor tells you about buying a home. That goes for the internet too. The only thing worse than no information is bad information. This is an important transaction, perhaps one of the biggest of your life, so make sure your information comes from a reliable, trusted source.
• Buy a car or other large purchase just before buying a home.
• Keep large sums of cash at home. This money must be deposited into your bank account. Talk to your loan officer first.
• Withhold information from your loan officer. We will help guide you around any difficulties in your loan application or credit report, and working together, we can avoid unpleasant surprises.