The Four-Step Mortgage Process
Buying a home (or refinancing one) doesn’t have to be confusing. At Sirva Mortgage, our goal is to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible—whether this is your first time or your fifth. With a clear plan and the right team on your side, you’ll be one step closer to unlocking the front door to your next home.
Step 1: Get Preapproved with Confidence
Before you start house hunting, it's a good idea to get a preapproval letter in hand. This shows sellers that you're serious—and gives you a clear picture of what you can afford.
At Sirva Mortgage, we make this easy with a streamlined, paperless asset verification process. No need to dig through file folders or scan endless documents—we'll walk you through what's needed and make it as fast and simple as possible.
Here's what you'll want to have ready:
- A general idea of your homebuying budget (don't worry, it can change later)
- Your most recent bank account balances
- Income info for everyone applying (monthly or annual)
We'll typically request:
- Recent pay stubs or a job offer letter
- W-2s from the last 2 years
- Bank statements and retirement account summaries
Once we review everything, you'll receive a Verified Preapproval Letter—which lets sellers know you're a strong, qualified buyer.
Step 2: Lock In Your Interest Rate
Found a home you love? Awesome. Now it's time to lock in your interest rate and choose your loan program.
Your Sirva Mortgage Consultant will help you understand your options and then hand things off to your Loan Processor—the next person on your dedicated mortgage team who will guide your loan to the finish line.
Step 3: Loan Processing
Now we'll get to work behind the scenes. Your Loan Processor will review your file, provide a personalized checklist, and send over a Lock Package for you to e-sign. This includes important disclosures and details about your loan.
Here are a few tips to help speed things up:
- Document any large deposits (outside of regular payroll) so we can confirm the source.
- Send all pages of requested documents, even if they’re blank.
- Hold off on big purchases (like a car or furniture) until after closing—they could impact your loan approval.
Once everything's reviewed and approved by underwriting, we’ll send your Final Loan Commitment. Now you're almost there!
Step 4: Closing Day
This is the last step—and the most exciting one!
Our Closing Team will prepare your final documents and work with the title company or closing attorney to generate your Closing Disclosure. Your Loan Closer will reach out to review the numbers and walk you through how to prepare the funds you'll need.
Here's how to keep your closing on track:
- Let us know early if you or a co-borrower can’t attend closing—we can work around it with the right notice.
- Verify your payment method. Some locations require wire transfers, others accept certified checks. Always confirm instructions by phone with your title company—Sirva Mortgage will never email wiring details.
On closing day, bring your funds, sign the documents, and once the title company confirms everything, your loan will be funded.
Congratulations—you’re officially a homeowner!
