Homebuying Roadmap | MO the MLO

1

Define your home goal

Start here

Get clear on where you want to live, when you want to move, and what a successful purchase looks like for your family.

Choose your preferred city, neighborhood, or commute area. Choose a realistic moving timeline. List your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal breakers.

2

Estimate a comfortable range

10 minutes

Review income, monthly obligations, available cash, and a target payment before focusing on a home price.

Use the MO the MLO buying-power calculator. Choose a payment that still leaves room for savings and family life.

Planning reminder: A calculator is an early estimate, not a preapproval or commitment to lend.

3

Gather your starting documents

1 to 3 days

Organizing documents early helps Monique identify the strongest loan path and reduces last-minute delays.

Gather recent income records, pay statements, or retirement award letters. Gather recent bank or asset statements for funds used in the transaction. Have government-issued identification available for the secure application.

Military and veteran note: Active-duty borrowers may need an LES and orders. Veterans may need a DD214, VA award information, or other eligibility documents depending on the file.

4

Complete the secure loan application

20 to 30 minutes

Sensitive information and documents should only be submitted through Monique's approved secure mortgage system.

Complete all borrower and co-borrower sections accurately. Upload requested documents through the secure portal.

5

Review credit, income, assets, and options

File review

Monique reviews the complete picture, explains available loan options, and identifies anything that should be handled before shopping.

Respond to clarification questions from Monique. Review the proposed loan, payment, cash, and credit strategy.

6

Receive your preapproval plan

Before shopping

Once the required information is reviewed, Monique can provide the appropriate preapproval guidance and explain the conditions that still apply.

Confirm your approved shopping range and target payment. Confirm estimated cash needs and acceptable property types.

Stay steady: Avoid opening new credit, financing a vehicle, changing jobs, or moving large sums of money without first speaking with Monique.

7

Build your home-search team

Before tours

Your lender and real estate agent should communicate early so offers are written around the financing and your priorities.

Choose a real estate agent who understands your goals. Set up a focused home search within the confirmed range.

8

Tour homes and write a strong offer

Your pace

Compare the home, location, payment, property condition, and long-term fit before committing.

Review the estimated payment for the specific property. Understand the price, deposit, contingencies, credits, and deadlines. Authorize your agent to submit the offer.

9

Complete inspections, appraisal, and underwriting

Under contract

After acceptance, the property and loan file move through multiple reviews. Fast responses keep the transaction moving.

Complete desired inspections and review findings with your agent. Allow the lender to coordinate the appraisal when required. Provide underwriting conditions by the requested deadlines.

Important distinction: The appraisal supports the lender's collateral review. It is not a substitute for a buyer's home inspection.

10

Final approval, signing, and keys

Finish line

Review final figures, complete required signing and funding steps, and wait for confirmation that closing is complete before taking possession.

Review final loan and closing figures. Verify all wiring instructions independently before sending funds. Receive confirmation that the transaction has closed before collecting keys.

The Homebuying Roadmap

Your ten-step path home