The Mortgage Process Explained

The mortgage process can be intimidating to a first-time home buyer. Especially the mortgage application process, when you're entire financial history is put onto paper.

But the mortgage process doesn't have to be scary. Nor should the mortgage application cause you to lose sleep. If you have a basic understanding of the mortgage process -- and if you're honest and accurate on your mortgage application -- you have very little to worry about.

The Mortgage Process
There are several articles on the home buying website that explain the basic steps to the mortgage process. These articles are a great place to start, because they will frame the mortgage process in your mind and help you learn more about the individual steps. Here are some I recommend reading:

Basic Steps to Apply for a Mortgage
In this article, Mark Keller lays out the basic mortgage process in step-by-step fashion. Sure, the mortgage process will vary slightly from one person to another. But Mark does a good job outlining the fundamentals.

The Mortgage Application Process
This article focuses on the mortgage application -- the paperwork part of obtaining a mortgage loan.

Mortgage Glossary: The A-to-Z of Mortgage Loans
Sometimes the thing that intimidates home buyers (about the mortgage process) is the terminology itself. This article defines 42 of the most common mortgage phrases. Memorize the terms on this page, and you'll never be confused by mortgage jargon again.

Types of Home Loans: A Buyer's Guide
I always recommend this article for general mortgage education, but it's also great for understanding the mortgage process. When you understand the various types of mortgage, you'll have a much easier time with the first step of the mortgage process -- choosing a mortgage type!

I hope this mini-tutorial helps you better understand the mortgage process and the mortgage application. Because by understanding the process, it will be a lot less intimidating.

Happy home buying!

~Brandon