Fill in the application fully
Missing details cause delays. Tell your loan officer about anything unusual early.
The process
Learn about the loan process
From your first conversation to closing: what happens at each step, what you can do to keep things moving, and what to avoid along the way.
Prefer to talk? Call 732-686-9999
- Direct, licensed mortgage lender
- NMLS #103098
- Equal Housing Lender
On this page
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Fidelity Residential · NMLS #103098 · Equal Housing Lender
- Direct, licensed lenderNMLS #103098. Check our licences on NMLS Consumer Access.
- A licensed loan officerA real person reviews your file and answers your questions.
- Plain-English guidesShort answers to the questions borrowers ask most.
- Apply online or by phoneStart a quote, apply online or call 732-686-9999.
Step by step
The steps to a mortgage
Organize your documents
Pay stubs and W-2s, or tax returns if you are self-employed, bank statements and identification. See the document checklist.
Talk about your plans and get pre-approved
A loan officer reviews your credit, income and savings and talks through the programs that fit.
Compare and choose
Compare the rate, the costs, points or credits and the APR on your Loan Estimates for the same program.
Apply, lock and close
Underwriting verifies your file and the home is appraised. You lock your rate, review your Closing Disclosure and sign.
Before you shop
Pre-qualified or pre-approved?
A pre-qualification is a quick estimate of what you may be able to borrow, based on what you tell a loan officer.
A pre-approval goes further: the lender checks your credit, income, assets and debts first. It helps you know your price range and shows sellers you are a serious buyer. It is not a final approval or a commitment to lend; the home and the full file still go through underwriting.
What a pre-approval helps with
- Knowing your price range before you look
- Making a stronger offer
- Moving to closing with much of the work done
On track
Keep your loan on track
Answer requests promptly
Send any documents asked for as soon as you can, especially when your rate is locked or your closing date is set.
Hold off on big purchases
Do not buy a car or furniture on credit, or open new accounts, until after closing.
Do not move money without a record
Large deposits must be traced. If family is giving you money, tell your loan officer first.
Plan for closing day
If you will be away, ask early about other ways to sign, such as a power of attorney.
Explain the purpose
On a cash-out refinance or a home equity loan, you may be asked how you plan to use the money.
- Review your Closing Disclosure before closing day and compare it with your Loan Estimate.
- Bring identification and your funds to close, usually by wire or cashier's check; confirm wiring instructions by phone.
- Read before you sign. Check that the rate, the terms, your name and the address are right.
- On a refinance or home equity loan on your main home, federal law gives you a short time after signing to cancel, so the money is paid out after that time passes.
Have a question we did not answer?
Talk it through with a licensed loan officer, get a quote, or apply online.
This page is general information, not a commitment to lend. Programs, terms and eligibility depend on credit, income, property and underwriting review and are subject to change without notice.