Loan Application Process

Loan Application Process For Your Mortgage

Step 1: Find out how much you can borrow

The first step in obtaining a loan is to determine how much money you can borrow.  In case of buying a home, you should determine how much home you can afford even before you begin looking. By answering a few simple questions, we will calculate your buying power, based on standard lender guidelines.

Click here to Pre-Qualify.

You may also elect to get pre-approved for a loan which requires verification of your income, credit, assets and liabilities.  It is recommended that you get pre-approved before you start looking for your new house so you: 

  1. Look for properties within your range.
  2. Be in a better position when negotiating with the seller (seller knows your loan is already approved).
  3. Close your loan quicker

More on Pre-Qualification

     LTV and Debt-to-Income Ratios

     FICO™ Credit Score

     Self Employed Borrower

     Source of down payment

LTV and Debt-to-Income Ratios

LTV or Loan-To-Value ratio is the maximum amount of exposure that a lender is willing to accept in financing your purchase. Lenders are usually prepared to lend a higher percentage of the value, even up to 100%, to creditworthy borrowers. Another consideration in approving the maximum amount of loan for a particular borrower is the ratio of monthly debt payments (such as auto and personal loans) to income. Rule of thumb states that your monthly mortgage payments should not exceed 1/3 of your gross monthly income. Therefore, borrowers with high debt-to-income ratio need to pay a higher down payment in order to qualify for a lower LTV ratio.

 

FICO™ Credit Score

FICO™ Credit Scores are widely used by almost all types of lenders in their credit decision. It is a quantified measure of creditworthiness of an individual, which is derived from mathematical models developed by Fair Isaac and Company in San Rafael, California. FICO™ scores reflect credit risk of the individual in comparison with that of general population. It is based on a number of factors including past payment history, total amount of borrowing, length of credit history, search for new credit, and type of credit established. When you begin shopping around for a new credit card or a loan, every time a lender runs your credit report it adversely effects your credit score. It is, therefore, advisable that you authorize the lender/broker to run your credit report only after you have chosen to apply for a loan through them.

 

Self Employed Borrowers

Self employed individuals often find that there are greater hurdles to borrowing for them than an employed person. For many conventional lenders the problem with lending to the self employed person is documenting an applicant's income. Applicants with jobs can provide lenders with pay stubs, and lenders can verify the information through their employer. In the absence of such verifiable employment records, lenders rely on income tax returns, which they typically require for 2 years.

 

Source of Down Payment

Lenders expect borrowers to come up with sufficient cash for the down payment and other fees payable by the borrower at the time of funding the loan. Generally, down payment requirements are made with funds the borrowers have saved. If a borrower does not have the required down payment they may receive “gift funds” from an acceptable donor with a signed letter stating that the gifted funds do not have to be paid back.

 

Step 2: Select the right mortgage program

Home loans come in many shapes and sizes. Deciding which loan makes the most sense for your financial situation and goals means understanding the benefits of each.  Whether you are buying a home or refinancing, there are 2 basic types of home loans. Each has different reasons you'd choose them.

1) Fixed Rate Mortgage

Fixed rate mortgages usually have terms lasting 15 or 30 years. Throughout those years, the interest rate and monthly payments remain the same.  You would select this type of loan when you:

  • Plan to live in home more than 7 years
  • Like the stability of a fixed principal/interest payment
  • Don't want to run the risk of future monthly payment increases
  • Think your income and spending will stay the same

2) Adjustable Rate Mortgage

Adjustable Rate Mortgages (often called ARMs) typically last for 15 or 30 years, just like fixed rate mortgages. But during those years, the interest rate on the loan may go up or down. Monthly payments increase or decrease.  You would select this type of loan when you:

  • Plan to stay in your home less than 5 years
  • Don't mind having your monthly payment periodically change (up or down)
  • Comfortable with the risk of possible payment increases in future
  • Think your income will probably increase in the future

By carefully considering the above factors and seeking our professional advice, you should be able to select the one loan that matches your present condition as well as your future financial goals.

 

Step 3: Apply for the loan 

Link to apply page

 

Step 4: Begin Loan Processing

​​Although lenders conform to standards set by government agencies, loan approval guidelines vary depending on the terms of each loan. In general, approval is based on two factors: your ability and willingness to repay the loan and the value of the property.

Once your loan application has been received we will start the loan approval process immediately. Your loan processor will verify all of the information you have given. If any discrepancies are found, either the processor or your loan officer will troubleshoot to straighten them out.  This information includes:

Income/Employment Check

Is your income sufficient to cover monthly payments?  Industry guidelines are used to evaluate your income and your debts.

 

Credit Check

What is your ability to repay debts when due?  Your credit report is reviewed to determine the type and terms of previous loans. Any lapses or delays in payment are considered and must be explained.

 

Asset Evaluation

Do you have the funds necessary to make the down payment and pay closing costs? 

 

Property Appraisal

Is there sufficient value in the property? The property is appraised to determine market value. Location and zoning play a part in the evaluation.

 

Other Documentation

In some cases, additional documentation might be required before making a final determination regarding your loan approval.

In order to improve your chances of getting a loan approval:

  1. Fill out your loan application completely. You may use our online forms to expedite the process.
  2. Respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation especially if your rate is locked or if your loan is to close by a certain date.
  3. Do not move money into or from your bank accounts without a paper trail. If you are receiving money from friends, family or other relatives, please prepare a gift letter and contact us.
  4. Do not make any major purchases until your loan is closed.  Purchases cause your debts to increase and might have an adverse affect on your current application.
  5. Do not go out of town around your loan's closing date. If you plan to be out of town, you may want to sign a Power of Attorney.

 

Step 5: Close your loan

After your loan is approved, you are ready to sign the final loan documents. You must review the documents prior to signing and make sure that the interest rate and loan terms are what you were promised. Also, verify that the name and address on the loan documents are accurate. The signing normally takes place in front of a notary public.

There are also several fees associated with obtaining a mortgage and transferring property ownership which you will be expected to pay at closing. Bring a cashiers check for the down payment and closing costs if required. Personal checks are normally not accepted. You also will need to show your homeowner's insurance policy, and any other requirements such as flood insurance, plus proof of payment.

Your loan will normally close shortly after you have signed the loan documents. On owner occupied refinance loan transactions federal law requires that you have 3 days to review the documents before your loan transaction can close.

Trusted

Vancouver and Portland trust Prism Lending Partners with their loan applications to get a competitive rate and have a great experience.  We actively work with you to ensure that you are able to purchase the house that you desire.

Local

Our local presence means that we are accessible and knowledgable about the SW Washington and Portland Metro area.

When you need a local mortgage company to be with you during the process, call us.

Competitive Rates

Competitive mortgage rates for borrowers in Vancouver, Portland, Camas, Battle Group, and all of SW Washington means that you get a competitive rate.  Want to know how we do it? Call Us.

Find the loan that's right for you.

Our team will help you find the right loan for you at the right time.  We offer products and have an understanding of the market at all phases of the real estate cycle.  We are committed to guiding you through selecting a loan and will help you reach your personal and financial goals with transparency and professionalism.

Meet The Team

Brian Spitulski
NMLS# 880824

Haley Dickerson
NMLS # 2319236

 

Kevin
NMLS# 218326

John
NMLS# 1700043

Mark Villanueva

Home Buyer in Happy Valley

Brian helped my wife and I purchase our first home in Happy Valley. As first time homebuyers, there was a steep learning curve throughout the entire home buying process. Brian was very helpful and patient in explaining not only procedures involved with obtaining the mortgage, but also with anything other processes we had questions about. Brian even came to our escrow signing appointment to give the paperwork a final look. Brian still contacts us every few months to let us know how interest rates are looking and whether it would be beneficial to refinance. Big thumbs up to Brian and we'll definitely use him again when we're in the market for another property.

Sean Curringan

Vancouver Home Buyer

My wife and I have followed Brian from his previous company to him now at U-Mortgage. While his company has changed, his level of service has stayed light years ahead of the rest of the industry and for that, we’re very grateful! Buying a house is for most people, the largest purchase they will ever make, which can be a pretty scary situation. Brian goes above and beyond to ensure that the consumer knows exactly what is going on at all times. This can be as simple as explaining what certain fees are or possibly as complex as how best to boost a credit score. Whatever the case may be, Brian is amazing! I personally don’t know too many Mortgage Guys who go as far as making sure to be present at the final signings. Mr. Spitulski does this and much more. My wife and I plan on using Brian in the future and highly recommend anyone else going through the home purchase process to give Brian at least a shot, it’s well worth it!

R. Rogers

Designation

Put your trust into Brian! You can tell he is honest and truly cares about his customers. He worked hard to get us the best possible interest rate (and keep it despite closing taking longer than expected due to an issue the sellers of our new house needed to work out). He patiently worked with us over the course of two years while we paid off debts, saved, and followed his advice to increase our credit scores. Once we were ready to go and found our dream home, Brian got everything mortgage-related done lightening fast! The whole process was so quick, easy and smooth I couldn’t believe it!! He was always quick to answer our millions of questions (this is our first house) and clearly works long hours to make sure his people are completely taken care of. Our experience couldn’t have been better!