The Process

How a mortgage actually closes.

No mortgage experience needed. Here's what actually happens between your first phone call and getting the keys, step by step, in plain English.

Start With Step One

Steps, Start to Keys

Loan Officer the Whole Way

Written by the East Coast Mortgage team

Editorial review: East Coast Mortgage, NMLS #2354674 · Last reviewed October 9, 2026

How we write and review our content

Two people talking through numbers at a kitchen table

Step 1 · Application

Tell Us What You Need

A quick conversation about what you're buying, refinancing, or trying to solve.

What actually happens →

A couple holding the key to their first home

Step 2 · Pre-Approval

Find Out What You Can Actually Borrow

Real numbers, checked against real lenders, so you know your true price range.

What actually happens →

Step 3 · Shopped to the Market

We Compare Lenders For You

We take your loan to the lenders who are actually likely to say yes.

What actually happens →

A white colonial home with a red front door

Step 4 · Underwriting

The Lender Double-Checks Everything

The lender verifies everything to make sure the loan is safe to fund.

What actually happens →

Step 5 · Clear to Close

You're Approved. Time to Close.

The green light. From here, it's just paperwork and a signature.

What actually happens →

Sources

General information, not advice for your specific situation. Program rules come from the agencies above and from each lender, and they change. A licensed loan officer confirms what applies to you.

Free guide · homebuyers

The Homebuyer's Playbook

From pre-approval to closing day, in plain English. Instant download, no cost.

Get the Free Guide

Step one is a conversation

Ready to start at the beginning?

Tell us what you're trying to do. A real, licensed loan officer takes it from there, and stays through step five.

Start Step One Call (757) 493-1582

NMLS #2354674 · Equal Housing Opportunity · Not a commitment to lend