We handle all loan applications locally — right here in our Chico, California office. We don’t use “application takers” or out-of-town “loan processors” to deal with your mortgage. From start to finish, your loan is in our hands. And you can call us at any time to find out the status of your application.
Four simple steps to buying a home.
Getting preapproved
The first step of your home buying journey is to get preapproved for a mortgage. Together we examine your financial situation to determine how much you can afford to borrow. After reviewing your income, assets, and credit history, we’ll issue a prequalification letter for you to present with your offer.
House hunting
The second step is looking for a house and making an offer. You find a home, negotiate a price, and sign a purchase agreement. Having a strong prequalification letter in hand will go a long way toward getting an offer accepted in a competitive market. If needed, we can even help you find a real estate agent.
Mortgage application
In step three we’ll collect all of your financial information, then help complete your mortgage application. When your loan file is complete, we’ll process your mortgage in our local office. This includes working with underwriters, real estate agents, and escrow officers.
Final loan approval
In the last step, an underwriter issues a final loan approval, and you sign your completed loan documents at a “closing” — Either at a local title company, at your home with a notary, or in our local office. Then enjoy your new home!
That’s it. Pencils down!
I just want to let you know I appreciate the great job you did obtaining my mortgage. I know you put a lot of time into getting the lowest payment to fit my budget. You also accommodated me being out of town and did everything in a timely matter. Thank you again for your many offers of help during the fire!
Nicolette Remick
Gridley, California
Documentation
This all sounds pretty simple and — since we do most of the work — it usually is. But for us to do our job, you need to do yours. That means providing all the correct documentation that we ask for in a timely fashion.
What documentation do I need to apply?
Basic information
- Most recent pay stubs covering a 30-day period.
- Most recent bank statements covering a 60-day period (please include all pages of all accounts).
- Two most recent years of W-2 (or 1099) forms.
- If retired: Most recent asset statements (CD, money market, IRA, 401k, etc).
- If retired: Copies of current social security statements, pension plans, etc.
- If you receive more than 25% of your income from commission or are self-employed, please provide two years of tax returns with all schedules.
Not so basic information
Information we may have discussed but may not be included in the above documentation:
- Residence history: Landlord contact information, dates lived there (past 2 years).
- Employment history: Company names, addresses, telephone numbers, dates worked (past 2 years).
- Homeowners association: Contact person, address, telephone (if applicable).
- Homeowners insurance agent: Contact and policy information.
- Gift letter: If receiving gift funds for down payment.
- Credit explanation letter: Describe any past credit issues.
- Proof of collections paid (if applicable and available).
- Proof of identification: Drivers license, ID card, or passport.
Required for purchase loans
- Copy of offer to purchase contract with all addenda and all signatures.
- Contact numbers for real estate agents and/or sellers.
- FHA and VA loans require additional addenda.
- VA only: Certificate of eligibility and DD214.
Required for refinance loans
- Copy of note and settlement statement from initial closing (if available).
- FHA or VA case number if refinancing an existing FHA or VA loan.
- FHA only: Proof of social security number (pay stub, W-2, social security card).
- VA only: Certificate of eligibility and DD214.