YOUR HOMEOWNERSHIP GAME PLAN STARTS HERE
Buying a Home Should Feel Exciting—Not Overwhelming.
From understanding what you can afford to getting pre-approved, finding the right loan, and making it all the way to closing day, I’ll help you understand the process and build a mortgage strategy around your goals.
FREE MORTGAGE PLAYBOOK
Your Game Plan from Pre-Approval to Keys
Buying a home is exciting, but the mortgage process can feel overwhelming when you don’t know what comes next. My Mortgage Playbook breaks the process down into simple, understandable plays so you can prepare with confidence—from getting pre-approved all the way to getting the keys to your new home.
Inside the Playbook, You’ll Learn How To:
✓ Prepare for the pre-approval process
✓ Understand what lenders look for when you qualify
✓ Know what can make up your monthly mortgage payment
✓ Compare common home loan options
✓ Prepare for closing costs and closing day
✓ Avoid common financial moves that could disrupt your mortgage
Free guide. No obligation. Just helpful information to help you understand the mortgage process.
FROM PRE-APPROVAL TO KEYS
The Homebuying Roadmap
Knowing what comes next can make the homebuying process feel a lot less overwhelming. Here’s a simple look at the journey from getting pre-approved to getting the keys to your new home.
01
Get Pre-Approved
Complete your mortgage application and review your financing options.
02
Find Your Home
Start house hunting and get your dream home under contract.
03
Appraisal & Loan Processing
Your appraisal is ordered and your loan moves into processing.
04
Underwriting
Your loan is reviewed by an underwriter for approval.
05
Complete Your Conditions
Provide any final documents or information requested.
06
Clear to Close
Your loan receives its final review and approval.
07
Closing Day
Review and sign your final loan documents.
08
Get the Keys!
Congratulations—you’re officially a homeowner.
BUILDING YOUR HOMEOWNERSHIP GAME PLAN
What Lenders Look For
Your mortgage game plan is built around four key areas: credit, income, assets, and the property. Understanding these pieces before you begin can help you prepare, avoid surprises, and put yourself in a stronger position when it’s time to make an offer.
Credit
Your credit history helps lenders understand how you’ve managed borrowed money in the past. They may review factors such as your credit scores, payment history, outstanding balances, and overall use of credit.
Warlock Tip: Don’t assume you need perfect credit to buy a home. Let’s review the entire picture before you count yourself out.
Income
Lenders need to determine that you have sufficient qualifying income to support your proposed mortgage payment along with your existing obligations. Income may come from a variety of eligible sources depending on the loan program and your circumstances.
Warlock Tip: Income situations aren’t always straightforward. Before assuming income can—or can’t—be used, let’s look at your specific scenario.
Assets
Assets can play an important role in your mortgage game plan. Depending on your loan, funds may be needed for your down payment, closing costs, reserves, or other expenses. Lenders may also need to verify where certain funds came from.
Warlock Tip: Keep a clear paper trail. During the mortgage process, avoid moving large amounts of money or making unusual deposits without first talking with your loan officer.
The Property
The home itself is another important piece of the mortgage playbook. Depending on the loan, an appraisal may be required to help establish the property’s value and, in some cases, confirm that it meets applicable property requirements.
Warlock Tip: If an appraisal comes in lower than expected, don’t assume the deal is over. There may still be options depending on your situation.
GET GAME-READY
Your Pre-Approval Document Checklist
Every borrower’s situation is different, but having the right documents ready can make the pre-approval process faster and smoother. Use this checklist to get game-ready—and don’t worry if something doesn’t apply to you. I’ll help you determine exactly what’s needed for your loan.
✓ Government-issued photo ID
✓ Residential address history — typically the past 2 years
✓ Employment history — typically the past 2 years
✓ Recent pay stubs
✓ W-2s — when applicable
✓ Bank and asset statements
✓ Federal tax returns — when required
✓ Information on real estate you currently own
✓ VA Certificate of Eligibility — for eligible VA borrowers
✓ Additional income documentation — if using other sources of qualifying income
✓ Self-employment/business documents — when applicable
Warlock Tip: Get your documents together early. Having everything ready can help prevent unnecessary delays and keep your mortgage game plan moving toward closing day.
FIND THE RIGHT LOAN FOR YOUR GAME PLAN
Home Loan Options Built Around You
There’s no one-size-fits-all mortgage. Different loan programs are designed for different buyers, properties, and financial situations. The key is finding a financing strategy that fits your goals and your homeownership game plan.
Conventional Loans
Conventional financing is one of the most commonly used mortgage options and can offer competitive terms and flexibility for qualified homebuyers.
Explore Conventional LoansFHA Loans
FHA loans are government-insured mortgages designed to make homeownership accessible to a wide range of buyers and may be especially helpful when credit or down payment is a concern.
Explore FHA LoansVeteran Loans
VA loans offer powerful home-financing benefits to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses.
Explore VA LoansUSDA Loans
USDA loans can provide eligible buyers with 100% financing when purchasing a qualifying home in an eligible area.
Explore USDA LoansJumbo Loans
When the loan amount exceeds applicable conforming loan limits, Jumbo financing may be an option for qualified borrowers purchasing higher-priced properties.
Explore Jumbo LoansNot sure which loan fits your situation? That’s exactly where I come in. We’ll compare your options and build a financing strategy around your goals.
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
What Makes Up Your Monthly Mortgage Payment?
Your monthly mortgage payment can include more than just principal and interest. Understanding the different pieces that may make up your total housing payment can help you budget with greater confidence before you start shopping for a home.
Principal
The portion of your payment that goes toward paying down the amount you borrowed.
Interest
The cost of borrowing money, based on your loan’s interest rate and remaining balance.
Property Taxes
Taxes assessed on the property that may be collected as part of your monthly mortgage payment.
Insurance
Homeowners insurance—and, when applicable, mortgage insurance—may be included as part of your monthly payment.
Don’t forget about HOA dues. If your property is part of a homeowners association, those dues can also affect your total monthly housing expense—even if they aren’t included in your mortgage payment.
PROTECT YOUR PATH TO CLOSING
Smart Mortgage Plays Before Closing
Getting approved is only part of the game plan. Once your mortgage is in process, certain financial moves can create delays or even affect your loan approval. Before making any major financial changes, talk with your loan officer first.
Avoid New Debt
Try not to open new credit accounts, finance major purchases, or take on additional debt while your mortgage is in process.
Hold Off on Big Purchases
Avoid major purchases like furniture, appliances, or a new vehicle before closing, especially if they involve financing or significantly reduce your available funds.
Keep Your Money Steady
Avoid moving large amounts of money between accounts or making unusual deposits without first talking with your loan officer.
Keep Your Employment Stable
If possible, avoid changing jobs or how you’re paid while your mortgage is in process. If a change is unavoidable, talk with your loan officer right away.
When in doubt, ask before you act. A quick conversation before making a financial change can help keep your mortgage game plan on track.
YOUR NEXT MOVE STARTS HERE
Ready to Start Your Homebuying Game Plan?
Whether you’re ready to get pre-approved or you simply want to understand your options first, I’m here to help you build a mortgage strategy around your goals and confidently take your next step toward homeownership.
Have questions before you apply? That’s completely fine. My job is to help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision about your next move.
