Congratulations — you've cleared the first major hurdle. In the next 20 minutes, we'll walk through everything you need to feel confident, informed, and ready to make a winning offer.
Rates shift daily based on global economic conditions. They cannot be locked until you have a legally binding purchase contract.
The best consumer-side indicator? The 10-Year Treasury — think of it as the buoy in the ocean for interest rates.
- 10-Year Treasury rises → borrowing gets more expensive -RATES WORSEN
- 10-Year Treasury drops → borrowing gets cheaper -RATE IMPROVES
- Once in escrow, we'll decide together: Lock or Float?
What affects the rate?
- Credit scores, down payments, property type, occupancy, loan purpose et. al. Easy way to think of it; if it adds more risk to a lender, "risk premiums" are added ontop of the cost of borrowing (the interest rate). An example of how loans are affected by loan factors is below. Purchase Money Loans — LLPA by Credit Score / LTV Ratio Credit Score LTV Range — Applicable for all loans with terms greater than 15 years ≥ 70% down payment 40% - 69.99% 30.00–39.99% 25% - 29.99% 20% - 24.99% 15% - 19.99% 10% - 14.99% 5% - 9% ≥ 780 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.375% 0.250% 0.250% 0.125% 760–779 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.250% 0.625% 0.625% 0.500% 0.250% 740–759 0.000% 0.000% 0.125% 0.375% 0.875% 1.000% 0.750% 0.625% 720–739 0.000% 0.000% 0.250% 0.750% 1.125% 1.125% 0.875% 0.750% 700–719 0.000% 0.250% 0.375% 0.875% 1.375% 1.500% 1.250% 0.875% 680–699 0.000% 0.625% 1.125% 1.750% 1.750% 1.500% 1.375% 1.125% 660–679 0.000% 1.000% 0.750% 1.375% 1.875% 2.125% 1.750% 10.625% 640–659 0.000% 1.500% 1.375% 2.250% 2.500% 2.000% 1.875% 1.500% ≤ 639 0.000% 0.125% 1.500% 2.125% 2.750% 2.675% 2.625% 2.250%
Closing day should have zero surprises. Here's the simple formula — and where every dollar comes from.
Your equity contribution
Lender fees, title, escrow, and prepaid items — typically 2–4% of purchase price depending on your state and time of year for closing.
Accounts must be identified before escrow starts!
From contract to keys — here's every milestone your loan moves through, and what it means for you.
Review your loan details and costs. Order the appraisal, wire your EMD, and schedule the home inspection with your agent.
Underwriting reviews your full file and approves the loan — pending a few remaining items ('conditions') they need from you.
The lender has fully approved your loan with no further conditions. They are committed to funding. This officially kicks off the closing process.
You meet with a notary to sign your final loan documents. Then wire your closing funds to the title company or closing attorney.
Your approval is a snapshot in time. Certain actions between now and closing can delay — or kill — your loan. Protect yourself by avoiding every item on this list.
Every new inquiry and new account changes your credit profile
New monthly obligations directly impact your debt-to-income ratio
Co-signed debt counts as your debt in the eyes of the lender
Employment stability is critical — even a lateral move can pause underwriting
Every large transfer needs a paper trail — cash moved without documentation raises red flags
Getting pre-approved is one thing. Standing out in a competitive market is another. Here's how we give your offer a decisive edge:
We personally call the listing agent to vouch for your strength as a buyer
Our Guarantee ensures the buyer and seller that we have done all of our due diligence and will protect everyones time.
70+ 5 star reviews on Google adds tangible creditbility that you have chosen a team that will perform well.
You're officially ready. Here's your action plan going forward.
You're pre-approved and ready — begin viewing properties with your agent
Send us any home you're serious about — we'll run the numbers before you visit
We'll check in periodically and keep an eye on market movement with you
Do you know anyone else who is looking to buy or sell real estate? Referrals are the highest compliment — and we take great care of everyone you send our way. 🙏