The Financing Process

Demystifying Home Loans

The home loan process can feel overwhelming

By collaborating with a trusted lender and remaining informed through every step of the process, from pre-approval to closing, you can have a significantly more comfortable experience. You’ll want to consult with a mortgage specialist (or two) to find a professional who you are confident will provide you with the best care. To get an idea of what to expect, review the following home loan process steps.

finance with

CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC

Team Shireen

Personal NMLS #460626 | Branch NMLS #3029 | Company NMLS #3029
  • 440-781-3812
  • shireen.shackelford@ccm.com
  • 2160 Superior Avenue Cleveland, OH 44114

At CrossCountry Mortgage, Team Shireen, we believe the mortgage process shouldn’t feel overwhelming. With over 25 years of combined experience, our team has helped hundreds of clients buy, refinance, and achieve homeownership with clarity and confidence.

We guide you through every step — from pre-approval to closing — with straightforward answers, consistent communication, and a strategy tailored to your goals. Whether you’re purchasing your first home or refinancing for a better rate, we’re here to make it smooth, transparent, and stress-free.

With CrossCountry Mortgage, you’ll have access to a full range of options: conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and specialty programs designed to fit unique financial goals.

Let's Get Started

Step One:

Get pre-approval

Before you start looking for a home to buy, it’s wise and proactive to meet with a lender to get pre-approved for a loan amount. Offers accompanied by a pre-approval letter are stronger and will stand out, especially when the seller is receiving multiple offers.

To gain pre-approval, your preferred lender will gather information about income, assets, and debts to help determine how much you can borrow. This includes gathering a credit report, W-2 forms, pay stubs, federal tax returns, and recent bank statements.

There are a variety of home loan programs offering different advantages depending on your unique needs and preferences. Your preferred lender can go over the specifics of each to ensure you find a loan option that best aligns with your needs.

Estimate Your Monthly Payment

Estimate your mortgage payment, including the principal and interest, taxes, insurance, HOA, and Private Mortgage Insurance.

Price

Annual Tax

Loan Term (Years)

Down Payment %

Interest Rate %

Monthly HOA

Monthly Insurance

$3,198.20

Estimated Monthly Payment

Principal

$2,398.20

(75.0%)

Taxes

$500.00

(15.6%)

HOA

$100.00

(3.1%)

Insurance

$200.00

(6.3%)

Step Two:

Find the best loan

Collaborating with a top-notch local loan officer will ensure you have access to competitive rates and programs that best fit your individual needs. Take the first step by completing this form to get connected today!

Step Three:

Application and Processing

When you find the perfect property and your offer is accepted, your lender will help you complete a full mortgage loan application, discuss down payment options, and explain any related fees.

Then, your application is submitted for processing where the documents are reviewed. Your lender will also order a home appraisal and a property title search.

The next part of the application process involves sending everything to an underwriter who will review and approve the entire loan package to make sure it meets all compliance regulations.

It is not unusual to receive requests for additional documentation or clarification during this phase of the application process.

Step Four:

Signing and Finalizing the deal

Once your loan is approved, you’ll need to set up homeowners insurance.

Your documents will be sent to the title company and the closing will be scheduled for you to sign the necessary paperwork and pay any additional costs to complete the purchase of your new home.

After the loan goes through the required recording process, the purchase is complete, and you officially own your new home!

home

Are you buying or selling a home?

Buying
Selling
Both
home

When are you planning on buying a new home?

1-3 Mo
3-6 Mo
6+ Mo
home

Are you pre-approved for a mortgage?

Yes
No
Using Cash
home

Would you like to schedule a consultation now?

Yes
No

When would you like us to call?

Thanks! We’ll give you a call as soon as possible.

home

When are you planning on selling your home?

1-3 Mo
3-6 Mo
6+ Mo

Would you like to schedule a consultation or see your home value?

Schedule Consultation
My Home Value

or another way