Dan Ardis Mortgage Specialist, Barrett Financial Group
Barrett Financial Group Commercial Division
Step-by-Step Guide

The Mortgage Roadmap

No surprises, no guesswork. Here is exactly what happens from the day you apply to the day you get your keys, and what I'm doing for you at every step along the way.

6 Steps

Application to keys

21–30 Days

Typical closing timeline

100+ Lenders

Shopped on your behalf

The Home Purchase Process

From the moment you apply to the moment you get your keys, here is what to expect.

01

Start Your Online Application

Day 1, about 10 minutes
  • Complete the application directly on this site. No phone call required to get started.
  • Soft credit pull only. It will not affect your credit score.
  • I review every application personally and reach out within 1 business hour.
  • No obligation, no pressure. Just a clear picture of where you stand.

Dan's Tip

Don't wait until you've found a house to get started. Getting pre-approved first means you're ready to move fast when the right property comes along. In a competitive market, that head start matters.

02

Pre-Approval

Days 1–3
  • I shop your scenario across 100+ wholesale lenders to find the most competitive rate and terms.
  • You receive a pre-approval letter showing sellers you're a serious, qualified buyer.
  • We lock in your budget so you know exactly what you can afford before you start looking.
  • Docs you'll need: photo ID, 2 years of W-2s and tax returns, 30 days of pay stubs, 2 months of bank statements.

Dan's Tip

Pre-approval isn't just paperwork. It gives you real buying power. Sellers and their agents take pre-approved buyers far more seriously, especially when there are multiple offers on the table.

03

House Hunting & Making Your Offer

Self-paced
  • Work with your real estate agent to find the right home at the right price
  • When you find a property you love, call me before submitting the offer
  • I'll run the numbers with you quickly so you know exactly what the payment looks like
  • A financing contingency in your offer protects you if anything changes on the loan side

Dan's Tip

Call me before you make an offer, not after. I can review any property in minutes and tell you what the monthly payment looks like at different offer prices. That conversation takes 5 minutes and can save you from overpaying.

04

Loan Processing & Underwriting

Days 1–14 after accepted offer
  • Your complete file is submitted to the lender for a full review
  • An appraisal is ordered to confirm the property's market value
  • The underwriter verifies your income, employment, assets, and the property itself
  • I stay in communication throughout. You'll never be left wondering where things stand.

Dan's Tip

This is the most important phase to keep your financial life quiet. Do not open new credit accounts, change jobs, make large purchases, or move money between accounts without talking to me first. Even things that seem harmless can create questions that slow down your closing.

05

Clear to Close

Days 14–21
  • Underwriter issues approval. Any final conditions are cleared quickly.
  • Your Closing Disclosure is sent, which is required to be in your hands at least 3 days before signing
  • Review your final loan terms, payment, and closing costs carefully
  • Wire your closing funds to the title company per their instructions

Dan's Tip

Compare your Closing Disclosure to the Loan Estimate you received at the start. Your interest rate, monthly payment, and fees should match what you were quoted. If anything looks different, call me immediately before you wire any money.

06

Closing Day & Keys in Hand

Days 21–30
  • Sign your closing documents at the title company, typically 60 to 90 minutes
  • The lender funds the loan and the deed is officially recorded
  • You get your keys
  • I stay in touch after closing. If rates drop or your situation changes, I'll reach out.

Dan's Tip

Bring your photo ID and any certified funds required by the title company. And know this: the relationship doesn't end at closing. I'll check in annually and let you know if a refinance ever makes sense. You'll always get a straight answer from me, not a sales pitch.

Ready to Get Started?

The application takes about 10 minutes. I review it personally and reach out within 1 business hour with a clear picture of your options.

Soft credit pull only · No obligation · Licensed in CA, TX, AR & WA · Lending in 49 states

Process Questions, Answered

Call DanApply Now →