From first question to keys in three steps.
No mystery, no radio silence. Here is exactly what happens, how long it takes and what you will need along the way.
The three steps
1Day 1, about 20 minutes
Talk it through
We start with a conversation, not a form. I want to know what you are trying to do, what monthly payment feels comfortable, and what worries you. By the end you will know which two or three programs make sense and roughly what they cost.
- No hard credit pull
- Phone, video or coffee in Winter Park
- A written summary texted to you afterward
2Day 2 to 3
Get a verified pre-approval
Upload documents through a secure link from your phone. I review every page personally, run your credit with your permission and send the file to an underwriter before you shop. Your approval letter is specific to the price range you are targeting.
- Secure mobile document upload
- Underwriter review up front
- Custom letter for every offer
3Day 21 to 30 after contract
Lock, close and get keys
Once you are under contract we lock your rate, order the appraisal and clear conditions. You get a status text every Friday, a Closing Disclosure walkthrough call and a closing date that holds.
- Rate lock strategy call
- Friday status updates
- Closing Disclosure review before signing
A typical 30-day purchase, day by day.
Sample timeline for a conventional purchase. VA, USDA and condo purchases can take a little longer.
- Day 0
Offer accepted
Your agent sends the contract. I order title and send your Loan Estimate within three business days.
- Day 1 to 3
Lock and disclosures
We choose a lock period, you e-sign disclosures and pay for the appraisal.
- Day 5 to 10
Inspection and appraisal
Home inspection happens, the appraiser visits and homeowners insurance gets bound.
- Day 12 to 18
Underwriting conditions
The underwriter may ask for a letter or updated statement. We usually clear these in 48 hours.
- Day 19 to 24
Clear to close
Final approval. Your Closing Disclosure arrives at least three business days before signing.
- Day 25 to 30
Closing day
Wire funds using verified instructions, do the final walkthrough, sign and get your keys.
What to gather before we talk.
You do not need all of this for the first call. Having it ready is how pre-approvals happen in a day instead of a week.
- Last 30 days of pay stubsOr a signed offer letter if you are relocating
- Two years of W-2s or 1099sSelf-employed? Add two years of returns
- Two months of bank statementsEvery page, even the blank ones
- Retirement and brokerage statementsHelps with reserves on larger loans
- Photo ID for each borrowerDriver license or passport
- Gift letter, if family is helpingI send you a ready-to-sign template
- DD-214 or statement of serviceFor VA loans only
- Current mortgage statementFor refinances and move-up buyers
- Divorce decree or child support orderOnly if it applies to you
- Explanation of recent credit inquiriesA sentence or two is plenty
Process questions.
Still wondering about something specific? Text or call and you will hear back from Marcus, usually within two hours.
Most purchases close in 21 to 30 days. USDA and some condo purchases take closer to 35 to 45 days.
Yes. You have my cell number, and my processor Jasmine sends a status update every Friday until closing.
Usually once you are under contract. We choose a lock period that covers your closing date, and I will tell you if a float-down option is worth it.
Do not open new credit, finance furniture, change jobs, or move large sums of cash without talking to me first. Each can change your approval.
A note from Marcus
Get real answers in twenty minutes.
No credit pull, no pressure. Bring your questions and leave with a clear plan and real numbers.