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People ask me all the time about the loan process how it works and how long it takes…

It’s no secret that the mortgage process and the industry as a whole has a slew of problems since it caused the economy and foreclosure crash that started in 2005. As a matter of fact the Wall street Journal Says Freddie Mac reported a narrower $2.5 billion third-quarter loss, the smallest shortfall in more than a year amid signs that mortgage delinquencies are slowing. But the company warned that delays in the foreclosure process could raise costs “significantly” and that losses also could rise amid a faltering housing recovery.

Most people that own real estate obviously don’t go through the mortgage process on a regular basis, and are not aware of how much more difficult the process is compared to a few years ago. If you got a home loan or a conventional mortgage in the 90s or early 2000s you probably remember very little documentation and a thin credit file. Now a days the process can seem about at tedious and difficult as a commercial flight through a hurricane. There are a ton of New Rules to learn about!

Speaking of a Commercial Airline Flight it may be the best way I can prepare you for what may lay ahead… Financing a home could often be like taking an airplane flight across country. When you start on your trip you have no idea how the trip will go.  Neither does the pilot! You could run into many different types of turbulence. As a passenger on a plane there is not much you can do when you hit turbulence accept put your seatbelt on and trust in the training and expertise in the pilot.  Certainly the pilot will try to use his or her experience to navigate around the storms and go for the smoothest flight plan, but if they’re honest, they can’t promise a turbulent-free trip. However the pilot can never promise that weather issues and unforeseen issues with the aircraft won’t delay your flight or ground you somewhere where your plans get foiled.  Their job is to simply get you to your destination in the least time and with the least aggravation, while keeping you as informed and as safe as possible throughout the trip.

Who Does What in the Mortgage Process?

1. Loan Originator – Your loan consultant is like your pilot. It is our job to guide you through the process while doing our best to arrive on time and avoid turbulence. They should keep you informed and return phone calls emails and answer your questions in a prompt and timely manner. Depending on the lending relationships he has, your Loan Consultant can find you the best loan with the best pricing for your unique situation. There are many aspects of the loan process that your Consultant does not have direct control over and cannot influence. However a good Consultant will get you the loan you need and won’t bail out during mid flight. Be aware that there have been many new regulations and Mortgage Brokers are now required to acquire special education in order best benefit the consumer. You can check your Brokers DRE License and their status with the NMLS to be sure that they are one of the best professionals around. Don’t be afraid to ask your Loan Consultant for their License numbers. They should be more than willing to share if they are a good Loan Agent. Be aware that if you work with a retail bank it is highly likely that the person processing your loan has not achieved ANY of the requirements that a Mortgage Loan Originator or a Broker must maintain.
2. Lender Underwriters – The lender can be like the weather… We can plan and use our experience and expertise however you never know when a thunder storm can pop up and cause turbulence. Since the mortgage crash in 2005 underwriters are required to adhere to strict guidelines governed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Often navigating through tough weather you MUST take more time and deal with delays in order to arrive safely at your destination.
3. Clients Borrowers – Are like that passengers in the plane for the Mortgage Process. It is important that you listen to your Consultant and be prompt when they ask something of you in order to close your loan, however you really must relax and trust that your Consultant wants to land your plane or close your loan as efficiently as possible.

What are the Main Steps of Processing a Mortgage?

1. Initial Consultation – Spend time speaking with your Loan Consultant, be honest and up front since your Loan Agent wants to get you the loan as badly as you want it. During this time your Loan Agent should educate you on loan programs that you qualify for along with closing costs, interest rates and the benefits or working with different lenders on your loan.
2. Information and Documentation Gathering – In this day and age there is a lot of documentation that goes along with processing a mortgage. Gather ALL the documents your Loan Agent asks for in order to process the loan most efficiently at the beginning of the transaction.
3. Pre-Underwriting and Submission – Once you sign a Loan Application and the necessary disclosures required for your loan. Your Agent will evaluate your file and make sure that the lender you are working with will have the best chance of approving and funding your loan. Once the file is ready your Agent will submit the entire loan package into the lender that best fits your situation. This process is not always easy and quick depending on the volume of business the Loan Agent is doing.
4. Lender Underwriting – Underwriting is rarely a quick process. Depending on the lender and how much business they do underwriting can take a few days and sometimes a few weeks. Underwriting turn times are the main part of the process that your Loan Agent has almost NO control over. You must be patient as your lender could be processing hundreds of files in any given week. Once the lender approves the file they will ask for any "Conditions" or additional items needed to get clear to close your loan. Often it can be frustrating and time consuming as many times you will have to go back and forth with underwriting on several occasions depending on the loan file.
5. Cleared to Close – Once the underwriters are satisfied with your loan file and all Fannie Mae guidelines have been met. The lender will issue a clear to close and allow your agent to order loan documents for signing.
6. Funding Dispersed – After the loan documents have been signed and notarized by all parties the lender will review the package and make sure everything is complete. This process often takes 48 hours or more. Sometimes there may additional items the lender will require before actually funding your loan. Once everything has been met the lender will send the funding wire to escrow where the funds will be dispersed to all parties involved. Just like coming in for a landing this can often be the most stressful part of the loan process… You must trust your pilot to land you plane and be patient.
7. Recording Of Documents – The next day escrow will close and your documents will be recorded with the County you live in! Congratulations you’ve finally landed!

As your Loan Consultant, I see myself as the pilot of your plane. My job is to assist you in getting your home financed with the best service, in the least time, with the least aggravation. While we may hit some turbulence along the way, I will try to utilize my experience and expertise to take you on the smoothest flight that I can.  I will not bail out on you and I will continue to be your teammate throughout the final leg of your trip until we get safely to your destination.

Rest assured, your advocacy is my number one goal, and that means you must be delighted with the service I provide and deliver that hopefully goes beyond your expectations. I will keep you posted as we move through the process.  In the meantime, please call or email me with any questions I would love to speak with you!

Or leave me a Comment Below Let me know your thoughts or your personal experience with your last Mortgage Loan. If you found this article helpful PLEASE share this on Facebook and your Social Networks!

Until Next time Here is to your success! Jason Wheeler