Here’s exactly what
to expect.
Getting a mortgage doesn’t have to be a mystery. Kiley walks every client through the same clear, organized process — so you always know where you are, what comes next, and what she needs from you.
Five steps from first call
to closing day.
Every mortgage has the same basic stages — but the experience varies wildly depending on who you work with. Here’s how the process unfolds when you work with Kiley.
Free Consultation
The first step is just a conversation. A 15–30 minute call with Kiley — no paperwork, no commitments, no hard credit pull. She’ll ask a few questions about your situation, answer yours, and help you understand what your path to homeownership actually looks like.
This call does more work than most people expect. By the end, you’ll know which loan type fits your situation, a rough idea of what you can afford, what your timeline might look like, and exactly what documents you’ll need to gather. You leave with a clear next step — not a sales pitch.
- Nothing required — just show up and talk
- If you have ballpark income and debt numbers in mind, great — but not required
- Questions are welcome, no question is too basic
- If you’ve been pre-approved elsewhere, Kiley can review that too
Pre-Approval
Pre-approval is where the paperwork starts — but Kiley makes it as painless as possible. You’ll gather some documents (see below), Kiley will pull your credit, run your financials, and issue a pre-approval letter. In the NWA market, a pre-approval letter is non-negotiable — sellers won’t take you seriously without one.
Kiley moves fast here because she knows buyers who aren’t ready lose houses. Her goal is to have your letter ready in 24–48 hours so you can move the moment you find the right home.
- Last 2 years of W-2s or tax returns (self-employed: 2 years of returns + YTD P&L)
- Last 30 days of pay stubs
- Last 2–3 months of bank statements
- Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Information about any other properties you own or debts you carry
House Hunting
Once you’re pre-approved, you’re ready to work with a real estate agent and start making offers. Kiley stays available throughout this phase — if you find a home and want to know whether it affects your loan (condo vs. single family, HOA fees, property condition), she’s a call or text away.
If you’ve been pre-approved for a certain amount but want to look higher, Kiley can run scenarios. If the market shifts and rates change meaningfully, she’ll reach out proactively. You’re never in the dark during this phase.
- Available to answer questions about any property you’re considering
- Can run updated payment estimates for specific homes
- Will flag any property types that might affect loan eligibility
- Coordinates with your real estate agent when needed
- Updates your pre-approval letter amount if you adjust your search range
Loan Processing & Underwriting
Once your offer is accepted, the formal loan process begins. Kiley submits your full application, orders the appraisal, and works with underwriting to verify everything checks out. This is the phase where most buyers feel anxious — because it seems like nothing is happening. It is. Kiley will check in regularly so you’re never left wondering.
Underwriting may come back with conditions — additional documents or clarifications they need. This is normal. Kiley will tell you exactly what’s needed and make it as quick as possible.
- Appraisal ordered — licensed appraiser visits the property
- Title search conducted — verifies seller legally owns the home
- Underwriting reviews your full file for final approval
- Homeowners insurance required — Kiley can refer a local agent if needed
- Kiley keeps your real estate agent updated throughout
Clear to Close & Closing Day
“Clear to Close” (CTC) means underwriting has approved your loan and you’re officially cleared to close. This is the moment everyone’s been working toward. You’ll receive a Closing Disclosure outlining your final loan terms and costs at least 3 business days before closing.
On closing day, you’ll sign documents, pay closing costs and any remaining down payment, and get the keys. Kiley is available right up until the moment you walk in — and she genuinely loves this part.
- Government-issued photo ID (required)
- Cashier’s check or wire transfer for closing costs + down payment
- Your Closing Disclosure (review this carefully — Kiley will walk you through it)
- Your real estate agent will typically be there too
Typical timeline from
call to closing.
Every transaction is different, but here’s what a typical purchase timeline looks like working with Kiley in the NWA market.
* Timelines are estimates. Cash buyers close faster. Complex financial situations or property issues can extend the timeline. Kiley will give you a realistic projection for your specific situation.
Get pre-approved before
you buy.
The single biggest cause of mortgage delays is missing documents. Also see: How Much Do You Really Need for a Down Payment?
The single biggest cause of mortgage delays is missing documents. Getting these gathered upfront saves days — sometimes weeks. Here’s what Kiley typically needs.
- Last 2 years W-2s (all employers)
- Last 30 days pay stubs
- If self-employed: 2 years tax returns + YTD profit & loss statement
- If retired: award letters for Social Security, pension, or retirement income
- If rental income: leases + Schedule E from tax return
- Last 2–3 months of bank statements (all accounts)
- Investment / brokerage statements if using for down payment
- 401(k) or retirement account statements
- Gift letter if receiving down payment gift (Kiley provides template)
- Explanation for any large deposits in last 60 days
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Social Security number
- Current address and 2-year address history
- If VA loan: Certificate of Eligibility or DD-214
- Divorce decree or child support orders (if applicable to income/debt)
Don’t stress if you don’t have everything pulled together yet. Kiley will tell you exactly what she needs for your specific situation after your consultation.
Mortgage questions buyers
ask all the time.
No question is too basic. Here are the ones Kiley hears most often — answered straight, no jargon.
No — that’s one of the biggest mortgage myths out there. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down, conventional loans can go as low as 3%, VA and USDA loans require zero down. 20% eliminates PMI on a conventional loan, but it’s absolutely not required.
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on what you tell the lender — no credit pull, no document verification. Pre-approval is the real thing: verified income, assets, employment, and a full credit check. In NWA’s competitive market, you need a pre-approval letter to make a serious offer.
A single mortgage credit inquiry typically drops your score by 5 points or less — and the impact is temporary. Multiple mortgage inquiries within a 45-day window are typically treated as one inquiry by the credit bureaus, so shopping lenders doesn’t multiply the impact.
Yes — but the documentation requirements are more extensive. You’ll typically need 2 years of tax returns plus a year-to-date profit & loss statement. The biggest challenge for self-employed buyers is that lenders look at net income after deductions, not gross revenue. Kiley can walk you through exactly what qualifies.
Closing costs typically run 2–5% of the loan amount and cover things like loan origination fees, appraisal, title insurance, taxes, and prepaid insurance. Kiley will give you a detailed Loan Estimate early in the process so there are no surprises. In some cases, sellers can contribute to closing costs.
Ready to start
your journey?
The first step is just a conversation. Book a free call with Kiley and walk away knowing exactly what your path to homeownership looks like.