1. Interview. A successful real estate lending transaction begins with listening to you. We want to know what you want to accomplish and what your resources are today, and in the future. Once we have a picture of who you are and where you're going, we can recommend a smart strategy to get the most from the mortgage marketplace.

2. Application. When you're ready to move forward, it becomes our job to make the process as smooth and convenient as possible. You can apply by telephone or in person at our office. In most cases, there are no application fees or credit report fees up front. We will not ask you to fill out long forms, but we do need to collect your signature on a few documents so we have your written permission to go to work on your behalf. Based on our initial interview, we will make every effort to ask you only for documents that we need to support your loan request and ensure to get the best value.

3. Processing. After we receive your application, we go to work on preparing your file for submission to the wholesale lender of choice. We want to make sure you are presented in the best possible light. If you are refinancing, we will open an escrow with a title company and order an appraisal of your home from one of several appraisers who is well-known to us. If you are buying a property, we will coordinate closely with your realtor and other team members to be sure your deal stays on track from start to finish. We frequently help clients resolve lingering credit issues and improve their credit scores too.

4. Submission and Approval. Once we are satisfied that your application is ready, we will transfer your file to the wholesale lender for underwriting approval. This can happen in an hour or a few business days, depending on the lender and the nature of your request. When we receive your approval, we will work with you to satisfy any conditions that may be required before your loan documents can be sent out for signing.

5. Signing Your Documents. In California, nearly all real estate loans are settled through an escrow company. The escrow officer is a neutral third person who coordinates all of the final details. He or she will receive your new set of loan documents, help you to sign them, and make sure that your old lender gets paid off. Many times the escrow officer will hire a mobile notary to meet with you at your home or office so that you can sign your loan documents at a more convenient time or location. In a purchase transaction, the escrow officer is even busier dealing with the seller's signing appointment and coordinating with both Realtors.

6. Closing. In a refinance transaction, Federal Law requires that three days go by after you sign your documents before the lender may fund your new loan. This is called the rescission period. You loan will typically fund on the fourth day and will be recorded with your county on the morning of the fifth day. In a purchase, there is no rescission period. Once your transaction is closed, you will receive a standardized statement of accounting from the escrow company.


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