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It’s not just the key to your home – it’s the key to your future
We understand that the process of buying a home can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. We’re here to make it as easy as possible. From first-time homebuyers to investors looking for properties, we offer everyone a simple homebuying guide to start you on the road to homeownership.
Benefits of owning a home
Appreciation
Many homes increase in value as the debt attached to them decreases — especially if you make home improvements.
Ownership
You’re investing in an asset over time. When your loan is paid off, you’ll have more equity to take advantage of.
Equity
When you build equity, you can borrow against it to get access to more funds to consolidate debt, renovate, pay for tuition, or supplement your retirement income.
Stability
Rent prices can rise dramatically, but with a fixed-rate mortgage you’ll know your payments over the life of the loan.
Deductions
Mortgage interest and property taxes are usually tax deductible, along with application and appraisal fees. Consult a tax advisor for further information.
Appreciation
Many homes increase in value as the debt attached to them decreases — especially if you make home improvements.
Step-by-step homebuying process
We guide you through every step so the process of buying a home isn’t a difficult one. We educate you on where you are and what the next step is, answering every question along the way.
1. Meet with your loan officer
Get pre-approval and show you’re serious about buying — it can give you an advantage over other home shoppers.
When should you get pre-approved? How long does it take? Discover more with these FAQs.
Find a home
Meet with your agent to determine your wants and needs. Go in search of your perfect home 3-6 months before you intend to buy.
Your agent can help you be realistic about “perfect”:
- Cosmetic fixes vs. structural issues
- Neighborhood crime rates
- Quality of the schools
- Property taxes
- Proximity to major interstates and public transportation
Explore the key steps and considerations to make on how to find the right home for you and your family.
Make an offer
Once you find your dream home, work with your agent to negotiate a price and schedule a home inspection.
- Your agent will know how much other homes are selling for in the neighborhood and will fight for the fairest price
- The inspection will confirm there aren’t any hidden problems with the foundation, plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical systems
- If you want anything that’s not nailed down to be included in the sale, especially the appliances, it must be stated in the contract
Apply for a mortgage
Your application will provide us with any remaining financial information we’ll need and lock your interest rate until the closing date.
Underwriting and appraisal
We’ll verify your application information, assess your credit and collateral, and order an appraisal to ensure you’re not overpaying.
The underwriting process:
- An underwriter will complete an initial review within 48 hours
- If any conditions are required, we’ll work with you to clear conditions within 2 days
- Your loan will return to an underwriter for final review and a clear to close (CTC)
- The processor will inform all parties of the CTC and verify the closing date and time
Get to know the mortgage underwriting process, from pre-underwriting documents needed to how long the process takes.
Ready to purchase a new home? Get started today.
There’s no time like right now to find out if you qualify. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is easy. We’ll just need your contact information so that we can help you start the loan process. There’s no obligation, so get started now to learn how CrossCountry Mortgage can help you.
Homebuying tools and resources
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Start your path to homeownership
Apply today to secure a mortgage that fits your budget and lifestyle.