Corey Loans CaliforniaBuying a home has a lot of moving parts, but it follows a predictable path. Here's the whole thing — from the first conversation to the day you get your keys — so nothing catches you off guard.
Before you start: get pre-approved, not just "pre-qualified"
A pre-qualification is a rough guess based on what you tell me. A pre-approval means I've actually reviewed your income, credit, and assets — so your offer carries real weight when you're competing for a home. In this market, sellers take pre-approved buyers seriously and often set the others aside.
What a pre-approval does for you
- Tells you the exact price range you truly qualify for (not a Zillow guess)
- Locks in your monthly-payment comfort zone before you fall in love with a house
- Makes your offer competitive — sometimes the difference between winning and losing
- Surfaces any credit or documentation issues early, while there's still time to fix them
The 8 steps, start to finish
Get pre-approved
We review your income, credit, and savings and issue a pre-approval letter with a real number. This is a conversation, not an interrogation — and it's free.
Bring: recent pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, and a rough idea of your savings. Don't have it all handy? We start with what you've got.
Set your real budget
The bank's max and your comfortable payment are two different numbers. We look at the monthly payment — including taxes, insurance, and any HOA — so the home fits your life, not just the loan file.
Find your agent & go house hunting
A good buyer's agent is free to you and worth their weight in gold. Need a referral? I work with trusted local agents across the Coachella Valley and can introduce you.
Make an offer
When you find the one, your agent writes the offer and I provide the pre-approval letter that backs it up. If you're competing, I'll call the listing agent personally to vouch for your financing.
Offer accepted — loan processing begins
This is where the paperwork picks up. We order the appraisal, verify your documents, and open escrow. I'll give you a single, clear list of what I need — no drip-feed of surprise requests.
Appraisal & inspection
An independent appraiser confirms the home's value; your inspector checks its condition. Two different things — one protects the lender, one protects you. I'll explain what each result means for your loan.
Underwriting & final approval
The underwriter gives your file a final review and issues the "clear to close." You'll receive a Closing Disclosure with your exact final numbers at least three business days before closing — no last-minute surprises.
Closing day — keys in hand
You sign, funds transfer, and the home is yours. We'll have already reviewed every number together, so signing day is a formality, not a shock.
Documents you'll likely need
Having these ready makes everything faster. Missing a few? We start anyway and fill gaps as we go.
- Last 2 pay stubs (or year-to-date profit & loss if self-employed)
- W-2s and/or tax returns for the last 2 years
- 2 months of bank & asset statements (all pages)
- Photo ID
- For VA loans: your Certificate of Eligibility (I can help you request it)
Which loan is right for you?
You don't need to know this before we talk — that's my job — but here's the quick lay of the land.
Conventional
As little as 3% down
Great for buyers with solid credit. Drop mortgage insurance once you reach 20% equity.
FHA
3.5% down
More forgiving on credit and down payment — a strong first-time-buyer path.
VA
$0 down
For eligible veterans and service members. No down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance.
Jumbo
Higher loan amounts
For homes above the conforming limit. Common in the desert's luxury market.
Three mistakes that cost buyers money
- Big purchases or new credit before closing. A new car loan or credit card can sink your approval days before the finish line. When in doubt, ask me first.
- Skipping pre-approval and shopping blind. Falling for a home you can't finance — or losing one because your offer wasn't backed — is avoidable.
- Fixating on the rate alone. Fees, program fit, and closing costs matter just as much. The lowest advertised rate isn't always the cheapest loan.
Ready to find your number?
The first step is a no-pressure conversation. We'll figure out where you stand and what's actually possible — whether you buy this month or next year.