Your guide to home financing.

01 · Understand your starting point

Review your income, expenses, debts and savings. Consider both the initial purchase costs and the ongoing cost of ownership.

02 · Explore a comfortable budget

Use the mortgage calculator to compare scenarios. Include taxes, insurance, HOA and any mortgage insurance, and allow for maintenance and other expenses.

03 · Discuss financing options

Compare available loan structures with a specialist. Ask about costs, terms, the annual percentage rate and how a payment could change.

04 · Prepare for review

Ask for a current document checklist and a secure way to share records. Prequalification and preapproval are different stages, and neither guarantees closing.

05 · Review the property and conditions

Work through the lender’s requested appraisal, property review and underwriting conditions. Keep your specialist informed of changes to your finances.

06 · Understand your rate arrangement

Ask whether your rate is locked, how long the lock lasts, any costs involved and what happens if the transaction is delayed.

07 · Review and close

Read your closing documents and disclosures carefully. Ask about any figures you do not understand before signing.

08 · Revisit your mortgage over time

Review your financing as your circumstances change. When considering refinancing, compare costs and the total effect on your loan, not only the monthly payment.

General educational information. Your actual process and requirements depend on the loan and your circumstances.