FROM FIRST CONVERSATION TO CLOSING
A clearer path through the mortgage process.
Buying or refinancing can involve a lot of moving pieces. Coastline helps borrowers understand what comes next, what information may be needed, and who to contact throughout the process.
Quick Answer
The exact steps vary by borrower, property, loan type, lender requirements, and transaction. A typical Coastline journey moves from understanding goals and financing options through application, processing, lender review, and closing. Your loan officer guides you through each stage.
The Journey
Five stages of the mortgage process
Stage 1
Understand Your Starting Point
Review your goals, estimated budget, and financial picture. Explore affordability and connect with a loan officer.
Stage 2
Explore Financing Options
Different mortgage programs are designed for different situations. Browse available loan programs and discuss with your loan officer.
Stage 3
Start Your Application
Begin the formal application process through Coastline’s secure online system with support from your loan officer.
Stage 4
Processing and Review
Documentation is reviewed, property information may be required, and the loan file progresses through lender review.
Stage 5
Prepare for Closing
Final loan details and closing documents are reviewed. Borrowers should review their Closing Disclosure carefully.
Stage 1
Understand your starting point
Before diving into applications, it helps to understand where you are today and what you are trying to accomplish. This stage is about gathering information and asking questions.
Topics to consider include your homebuying goals, estimated budget, existing mortgage if refinancing, your general financial picture, and affordability planning. A conversation with a loan officer can help clarify what questions to ask and what to prioritize.
Coastline's affordability calculator is an educational tool that can help you estimate what you may be able to borrow based on income, debts, and down payment. Calculator results are estimates and do not determine qualification.
Stage 2
Explore financing options
Different mortgage programs are designed for different situations. Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, Construction, and investor options each have different characteristics that may be appropriate for different borrowers.
Refinancing is also a financing option if you already own a home and are exploring whether to replace your current mortgage. Your loan officer can help you understand how programs compare and which may be worth exploring.
Stage 3
Start your application
Once you are ready to move forward, Coastline's secure application system allows you to begin the formal process. The application is submitted through Coastline's online portal, and your loan officer is available to support you throughout.
Documentation needs vary by loan program, your financial situation, and lender requirements. Your loan officer will let you know what is needed. Do not submit sensitive financial documents through unsecured channels or before your loan officer requests them.
Stage 4
Processing and review
During processing, documentation is reviewed and property-related information may be required. The loan file progresses through applicable lender and underwriting review.
It is common for additional questions or documentation to arise during this stage. Coastline communicates with the borrower and other transaction participants where appropriate. Conditions may need to be satisfied before the loan can move toward closing.
Every loan does not follow an identical underwriting path. The process depends on the loan program, lender requirements, property, and borrower circumstances.
Stage 5
Prepare for closing
Final loan details and applicable closing documents are reviewed before closing. Borrowers should review their Closing Disclosure and ask questions about anything they do not understand.
Closing logistics depend on the transaction. Your loan officer and the closing team will coordinate the details with you and the other parties involved.
Coastline Verified Approval
Verified Approval
Most mortgage companies issue a pre-approval letter. Coastline goes a step further and issues a Verified Approval, with the goal of putting buyers in a stronger position when shopping and competing for homes.
Explore Further
Resources to help you along the way
Process FAQ
Common questions about the mortgage process
How long does the mortgage process take?
The exact timeline varies by borrower, property, loan type, lender requirements, and transaction. Some loans move faster than others, and unexpected questions or documentation needs can arise. Your loan officer can give you a general sense of what to expect based on your situation, but no specific timeline is guaranteed.
When should I speak with a loan officer?
It is generally helpful to speak with a loan officer early in your homebuying journey, even before you start shopping. A conversation can help you understand your budget, explore programs, and identify what documentation may be needed. For refinancing, speaking with a loan officer can help you evaluate whether refinancing makes sense.
When should I complete an application?
You can start an application when you are ready to move forward with a purchase, refinance, or pre-approval. Your loan officer can help you determine the right time based on your goals. Starting the application does not obligate you to proceed.
What documents might be requested?
Documentation needs vary by loan program, your financial situation, and lender requirements. Common areas include income, assets, employment, and property information. Your loan officer will let you know what is needed for your specific situation. Do not submit sensitive documents through unsecured channels.
What happens if additional information is needed?
It is common for questions or additional documentation to arise during processing and review. Coastline communicates with the borrower and other transaction participants where appropriate. Your loan officer will reach out if anything further is needed.
Can Coastline help me compare loan options?
Yes. As a mortgage brokerage, Coastline can help you explore available financing options across multiple programs. Your loan officer can walk you through how different programs compare and which may be appropriate for your situation.
When do I use the calculators?
Calculators are educational tools that can help you estimate payments, affordability, and potential refinance scenarios. They are available at any time and do not require an application. Calculator results are estimates and not a loan offer or commitment.
What happens before closing?
Before closing, final loan details are reviewed and applicable closing documents are prepared. Borrowers should review their Closing Disclosure and ask questions about anything they do not understand. Closing logistics depend on the transaction.
Ready to Get Started?
Speak with a licensed Coastline Mortgage loan officer today.