Your ducks, in a row.                 Pro Tip

Before you start your path to homeownership, plan for it.      Crunch numbers, get quotes.

That means compiling a list of needs and wants, finding        This website is equipped with easy-to-use

a real estate agent you trust, and setting a realistic budget.   mortgage calculators to help you ballpark your

to help you understand what you can afford and where.          budget. Our free rate quote form will put you in

                                                                                                                    touch with one of our loan originators. They’re          

                                                                                                                    standing by to answer questions, provide recs,

                                                                                                                    and walk you through the process.                             

Your “Golden Ticket.”                                  Pro tip.

A pre-approval gets you approved for a specific loan                      Take care of your credit

amount and comes with a certified pre-approval letter                 Review your credit report and clear up any

 that makes you more attractive to sellers. To get it, we’ll               concerns before submitting it for

run your credit and review other key financial details.                     pre-approval. The better your credit, the

We have your budget covered, first-time home buyers.                 better your terms. The better your terms, the

                                                                                                                         more likely you’ll be to seal the deal on your

                                                                                                                         dream home.

Everybody’s favorite part.                           Pro tip.

Maybe you’ve noted a few “For Sale” signs in the                               Keep an even keel.

neighborhood. Or maybe you’ve got a bunch of tabs                       It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement 

 open on your laptop. Either way, you’re now ready to                      of big backyards and open concepts, but it’s

 start touring houses. Work closely with your real estate                  important to be mindful of your budget both

 agent and mortgage loan officer to keep the                                     now and later. Be excited but also be

wants-and-needs list ready and available                                             realistic.

A great rate. A fair price.                              Pro tip.

So you’ve found your home, put in an offer, and                                 Love your rate? Lock it.

the seller accepted. Congrats! Now it’s time to talk                            House hunt taking a little longer than

about loan options and rates with a loan originator.                          expected? No worries. Rate Protect can help

We’ll make sure you understand the big picture                                 you lock in your rate while you shop. That

and the small details. Once your rate is locked and                            way, you can focus on your search instead of

guaranteed, we’ll order an appraisal to make sure                              market fluctuations. Get in touch with your

you’re getting a good deal on your home.                                             loan originator to find out if you qualify.

Crossing t’s. Dotting I’s.                           Pro tip.

The underwriting process starts once your                                     Prep your paperwork.

application has been submitted and your loan                             The time it takes to underwrite your loan can

is locked. Our team of underwriters will analyze                           vary, but preparing your pay stubs, bank

your financial details—including credit history,                             statements, tax returns, etc. ahead of time can

debt-to-income ratio, income, employment, etc.—                     go a long way in speeding up the process. Your

to help protect you (and us) from unnecessary risk.                    loan originator will let you know everything you

                                                                                                                    need and set you up for success.

Almost home.                                              Pro tip.

Once the seller accepts your offer, your lender                                Set aside 6%

will help you to tie up loose ends and finalize all                             Remember to set aside a chunk of money to 

the details. In the meantime, your new home                                  cover your closing costs. You may be able to

will be appraised and inspected to make sure                                  negotiate some costs or roll them into your

everything’s up to snuff. After that, you sign closing                       monthly mortgage payments but plan to

disclosures and pay closing costs. And after that? Keys.                 cover 6% of your loan’s value (just in case).