From first call to keys in hand.
Getting a mortgage has a lot of moving parts. Here is every step, what happens in between, and exactly what you do and what we do. No surprises.
- Brokering since
- 2007
- Lenders
- 50+
- Families helped
- 5,000+
Your mortgage journey
Big circles are the main steps. Tap a small bubble to see what happens in between, or tap a step to read more.
- 1
5 minute intro call · Same or next business day
Say hello
Our Client Success Manager gets the basics and books your call with a broker.
- 2
Discovery call with a broker · 15 to 30 minutes
Let's talk
Your broker learns your goals and maps out your options.
- 3
Get organized · 1 to 3 days, at your pace
Application and documents
You send the documents on your list and we check your credit.
- 4
Shop with confidence · 1 to 3 business days
Strategy review and pre-approval
We review your whole file and choose the right lender.
- 5
In review · Usually 24 to 72 hours
Submitted to the lender
The lender reviews you, your documents and the home.
- 6
Good news · A few days to clear
Conditional approval
The lender says yes, as long as a few things check out.
-
- 8
Home stretch · Usually 2 to 4 weeks
Getting ready to close
Your lawyer or title company gets the lender's instructions and books your signing.
-
Renewing or refinancing? Same journey, without the house hunting. Most close through a title company, so you won't need a lawyer.
5 minute intro call · Same or next business day
Say hello
Reach out by phone, email or our website. Our Client Success Manager calls you for about five minutes to learn the basics, then books your discovery call with one of our brokers.
What you do
Tell us a little about what you want to do. If you can, complete the secure application before your discovery call.
What we do
Match you with the right broker and send you the secure application link.
Good to know: Completing the application before your call makes the conversation far more in depth. Your broker can give you real answers instead of general ones.
Discovery call with a broker · 15 to 30 minutes
Let's talk
A relaxed conversation with one of our brokers about what you want to do, your numbers and your timeline. No pressure, and no cost to talk to us.
What you do
Bring your questions. Having your application in beforehand makes this call much more valuable.
What we do
Review your application, map out what is possible and point out anything to watch for.
Good to know: In most cases the lender pays us, so our advice costs you nothing.
Get organized · 1 to 3 days, at your pace
Application and documents
We send you a document list built for your situation, not a generic one, and with your permission we check your credit.
What you do
Upload pay stubs, job letter, down payment statements and ID to your secure folder.
What we do
Check every document as it comes in, so nothing gets sent back by the lender later.
Shop with confidence · 1 to 3 business days
Strategy review and pre-approval
Our team reviews your whole file before any lender sees it. Then we compare lenders and, for a purchase, hold a rate while you shop.
What you do
Shop for your home within the budget we confirmed. Call us before you write an offer.
What we do
Catch small issues early, choose the lender and product that fit, and hold your rate.
Good to know: A pre-approval checks you, not the home. The lender still approves the property once you have an accepted offer.
What is a pre-approval? →In review · Usually 24 to 72 hours
Submitted to the lender
We send your complete file to the lender. Their underwriter reviews your income, credit, down payment and the property itself.
What you do
Nothing, most of the time. Keep an eye on your phone and email in case the lender asks a question.
What we do
Watch the file every day and answer lender questions fast, so it never sits.
Good to know: Your financing condition date is the deadline in your offer. We work to be done well before it.
Good news · A few days to clear
Conditional approval
Every approval goes through this step. Some conditions may already be met, others may still be outstanding, like a recent pay stub or the appraisal.
What you do
Send anything still on the list. Please don't remove your financing condition yet.
What we do
Clear each condition with the lender and walk you through your commitment letter on a quick call.
Good to know: Conditional does not mean in trouble. It means the lender wants to tick a few final boxes.
Conditional vs. unconditional approval →Celebrate · The big moment
Fully approved
The lender signs off. On a purchase, this is when it is safe to remove your financing condition, which makes your purchase firm.
What you do
Tell your Realtor you are ready to remove the financing condition. They send us the signed waiver.
What we do
Hand your file to our Closing Officer, who manages everything from here to funding day.
Home stretch · Usually 2 to 4 weeks
Getting ready to close
The lender sends instructions to your lawyer (purchases) or a title company (most renewals and refinances). They book a signing appointment with you.
What you do
Get your home insurance binder letter, bring two pieces of photo ID to signing and avoid any big financial changes.
What we do
Confirm the instructions arrived, keep everyone on schedule and check in with you before and after signing.
Good to know: Signing agents and lawyers can't answer mortgage questions. Call us first and we will explain anything you are unsure about.
Keys · Closing day
Funded. Welcome home!
The lender releases the money on your closing date. On a purchase, your lawyer calls with the good news and the keys.
What you do
Enjoy it. Set up your utilities and update your address.
What we do
Celebrate with you, then stay in your corner for the life of your mortgage.
Four things to avoid until closing day
Your approval is based on your situation exactly as it is today. If something might change, call us first.
Your job
Don't change jobs, resign or go from full time to part time without talking to us.
New credit
Hold off on new cards, car loans and furniture on credit. Keep every payment on time.
Your down payment
Leave it exactly where it is. Don't move it or spend it before closing.
Your dates
Don't agree to change your closing or possession date without checking with us.
Protecting your family and your home
We bring these up along the way, so you can decide without being rushed at the end.
Mortgage protection
Coverage that pays your mortgage if you pass away, become critically ill or can't work.
Learn more →
Life and disability
Coverage you own that protects your family's income, no matter which lender you're with.
Learn more →
Home insurance
Required before funding. Your insurer's binder letter goes to your lawyer before signing.
Learn more →
Words you'll hear along the way
Plain language answers in our mortgage glossary.
Already working with us? Check your file any time in your client portal, or email hello@lacroixmortgage.com.
Let's map out your journey
A quick conversation shows you what is possible, what it costs and how long it takes. No obligation.
Or call (403) 648-1541