Mortgage Milestone Tracker

Milestone 1: Application Received

We've Got Your Application! 📬

Thanks for submitting your mortgage application. This next step is all about collecting a few key documents so we can fully assess your eligibility. You're in good hands—we'll make this as smooth and straightforward as possible.

What do we need from you? 📄

  • Financial Snapshots: Recent pay stubs and tax returns
  • Proof of ID: A valid driver's license or passport
  • Property Info: Things like the sale agreement or MLS sheet

How can you send them in? 🔐

  • Upload everything securely through our online portal
  • Or reach out to your AMA directly for help along the way

Why do we need this? 🤔

  • To get a full picture of your financial situation
  • To make sure your mortgage approval goes through without hiccups

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Milestone 2: Document Collection

Time to Upload Your Docs 📁

This stage is all about getting your documents in. Think of it as laying the foundation for your mortgage—it's what everything else is built on.

Why do we need these? 🧐

  • The Full Picture: Your documents show us where you stand—what you earn, what you owe, and everything in between.
  • Making Smart Moves: With the right info, we can match you with the best mortgage options.
  • Faster Turnaround: The clearer and more complete your docs are, the quicker we can move.

Bottom line: These documents help us understand your finances, so we can put together the strongest mortgage strategy for you.

How It Works – Simple 3-Step Process 🔄

  1. Upload Your Docs: We know it can feel like a lot, but we'll guide you through it and keep things streamlined.
  2. We Review Everything: Our team will go through your file and let you know if anything's missing or needs clarification.
  3. Next Steps: Once we have what we need, we'll move your file into full review and keep you posted.

What's Next? 🔍

  • Detailed Review: We'll analyze your income, assets, and liabilities and send you a summary in a few business days.
  • Lender Prep + Strategy: After that, we start positioning your file with lenders and set the stage for your mortgage game plan.

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Milestone 3: Documents Under Review

Your Documents Are In Review 🔍

Welcome to the review stage! Our team is now going through your documents, taking a close look at your income, assets, and credit history. This step helps us tailor the best mortgage option based on your financial profile.

What We're Looking At 🧾

  • Income Check: Making sure your earnings line up with what was submitted
  • Assets Review: Evaluating your property value and other major assets
  • Credit Review: A deeper look at your credit history to confirm lender confidence

What Could Slow Things Down ⏳

  • Multiple Rental Properties: These may need extra documentation and time
  • Self-Employment: Fluctuating income means we need a bit more detail
  • Credit Nuances: Unique credit situations may require closer review

What's Coming Up ✅

  • Pre-Qualification Update: Once we're done, you'll know exactly where things stand
  • Planning Chat: We'll go over your options and next steps in a tailored session

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Milestone 4: Pre-Approved

You're officially pre-approved! 🎉

That means you've cleared the initial requirements and are ready to start looking with confidence. You've got a solid foundation to move forward with your home search.

1. What Pre-Approval Really Means 🏡

It's basically the green light from the lender based on your current finances. You'll get a letter that shows how much you're pre-approved for, often with a locked-in rate. Think of it as your confidence booster when house hunting.

2. How to Make the Most of It ✅

  • Rate Hold: We've locked in a competitive rate for you, as we discussed.
  • Interactive Calculator + Custom Report: Want to play around with numbers? Click here to see how different factors like taxes affect your monthly payments. It's a good way to line things up with your budget.

3. A Few Things to Keep in Mind 🔄

  • Rates Move: Mortgage rates can shift. We're keeping an eye out so you're in the best position when it's go time.
  • Your Situation Might Too: If anything changes, like a raise, new job, or added debt, just let me know. These can affect your numbers.

4. Keep in Touch While You Search 📲

Your pre-approval isn't set in stone. It can shift with the market and your finances. Staying in the loop helps us keep things sharp and up to date.

When you find the right place, just reach out. I'll take care of the rest and get the best terms lined up for you.

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Milestone 5: Mortgage Submitted to Lender

Your Application Is Now with the Lender

We've made it to the final stage. The lender is now reviewing your file to verify your credit, confirm the property's value, and finalize the details. This is the last hurdle before full approval. Things can move fast from here, so be ready.

1. Why the Wait?

  • Lenders typically take 24 to 72 hours to review.
  • They're checking your creditworthiness, property value, and making sure all the submitted details align.

2. What You Can Do Right Now

  • Be Responsive: If any documents are needed, sending them quickly helps avoid delays.
  • Stay Steady: This part can feel slow, but we're on top of it and advocating for you the entire way.

3. What Happens Next

  • Approved: Great news—we'll go over the terms and next steps.
  • More Info Needed: We'll let you know what's missing and walk you through it.
  • Declined: If that happens, we'll unpack the reason and figure out the best path forward.

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Milestone 6: Mortgage Under Review with Lender

Your Mortgage Application Is Now Under Lender Review

Knowing what's happening behind the scenes can help keep things clear and stress-free. Here's what's going on right now:

1. What's the Lender Doing?

  • Digging Into Your Application: They're carefully reviewing all the details you submitted.
  • Checking Your Documents: Everything you've provided is being verified for accuracy.
  • Assessing the Property: The lender's also taking a close look at the property to make sure it meets their standards.

2. Moving Toward Conditional Approval

  • What to Expect: The goal is to get a conditional approval once the review wraps up.
  • You'll Be the First to Know: As soon as the lender has news, we'll update you right away so you're always in the loop.

3. How We Keep Things Moving

We're in constant contact with your lender, checking progress daily. Your peace of mind matters — we've got this covered.

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Milestone 7: Conditional Approval - Documents Under Review

Congrats on Getting Conditional Approval! 🎉

This is a big step—your application made a strong impression with the lender. Here's what's happening now and what's coming next:

1. What Conditional Approval Means

  • Application Accepted: The lender is on board based on what you've submitted so far.
  • Verification Phase: They still need to double-check some details, which is standard at this stage.

2. Meeting the Lender's Conditions

  • We're On It: We're in constant contact with the lender to understand their specific requests.
  • Documents & Appraisals: If they need anything extra from you—whether more paperwork or an appraisal—we'll let you know right away. Quick responses keep things moving.

3. Stay Connected

This stage moves fast and can be dynamic. Being available by phone or email means we can quickly address any questions or requests, keeping your approval on track.

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Milestone 8: Appraisal Required

Welcome to the Appraisal Stage! 🏠

This is one of the important steps in your mortgage journey since the appraisal outcome directly affects the loan amount you'll qualify for. Let's break down what happens here and why it matters.

1. Why an Appraisal?

  • Value Confirmation: It makes sure the property's value matches the purchase price or declared refinance amount.
  • Property Details Check: Lenders want a close look at the property, either in person or virtually.

2. Payment

If a physical appraisal is needed, you'll get a payment link. It's important to take care of this right away. If anything's unclear, your associate advisor is ready to help.

3. The Appraisal Process

Once payment is done, the appraisal company takes over—scheduling visits, coordinating with relevant parties, and keeping things on track.

4. Making a Good Impression

A neat, finished home can make a difference. If you've done any renovations, make sure they're complete. During the appraisal, it's best to let the appraiser work without interruptions.

5. After the Appraisal

Once we get the report, we'll update you promptly so you're fully informed every step of the way.

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Milestone 9: Appraisal Ordered

The appraisal process has started 🏡

This step is where your property's value gets professionally evaluated. Getting through it quickly brings you closer to securing your loan.

1. If you're purchasing:

We'll arrange the appraisal with your real estate agent. You'll get an email soon with payment details. Please make the payment promptly to keep things moving smoothly.

2. If you're refinancing:

A clean and tidy home inside and out helps with the appraisal. You'll get a call to schedule the appraisal and handle payment.

3. After the appraisal:

We'll receive the detailed report within about two days and send it to the lender for review.

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Milestone 10: Appraisal Received

You've hit another milestone—we've received the appraisal report for your property.

Right now, your lender is reviewing the valuation, which plays a key role in moving your loan application forward.

1. Refinancing? Here's What the Value Means:

If the appraisal comes in different than expected, we can explore options to adjust the valuation. It's important to satisfy the lender with the numbers so we can keep things moving smoothly.

2. Buying a Property? What to Know About the Value:

If the appraisal matches the purchase price, you're in a good spot. If there are differences, we'll work with you, your agent, and the appraiser to get the most accurate valuation possible.

Final Thoughts:

The appraisal is a big step, but just one part of the journey. We'll keep you updated on what's next and guide you all the way through.

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Milestone 11: Approved - Financing Subjects to be Removed

You've reached an exciting milestone! 🎉

You've met all the lender's financing conditions and are now clear to secure your loan. This is a strong confirmation of your financial readiness and credibility.

1. Why This Stage Matters

  • Lender's Confidence: Your lender trusts your financial capability and is committed to your property purchase.
  • Your Progress: This shows you're getting close to the finish line in your home-buying journey.

2. Things to Keep in Mind

  • Property Review: Make sure you're confident in the property—its features, location, and fit for your needs.
  • Financial Updates: Any changes like new loans or job shifts can impact things. Keep us posted!
  • Market Awareness: While it might not affect your current deal, knowing market trends can help for the future.

3. What's Next

  • Final Steps: Removing the "subject to financing" condition may involve some paperwork, which your associate advisor will guide you through.
  • Pre-Closure Inspection: A last check of the property to avoid surprises down the road.
  • Closing the Deal: Your advisor will be by your side all the way until the property is officially yours.

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Milestone 12: Instructions sent to Lawyer

You're in the home stretch! 🏁

We've sent all your mortgage instructions to your lawyer, laying the groundwork for the legal side of your property purchase. This sets you up for the final steps.

1. Why the Statement of Adjustments Matters

Your lawyer prepares this document to detail financial adjustments like prepaid taxes and utilities. It's important to review it before your appointment so you're fully prepared.

2. Getting Ready for Your Lawyer Appointment

  • Documents: Gather essential paperwork like homeowner's insurance and any extra policies. For stratified properties, some insurance might be covered by Strata.
  • Payments: Your lawyer will provide a breakdown. Be ready with a bank draft cheque since personal cheques usually aren't accepted.

3. What Comes Next

After you sign your loan documents, your lawyer will manage the mortgage financing closing. You're almost at the finish line!

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Milestone 13: File is Ready to Fund

Your mortgage file is ready to fund! 🎉

Everything is set for your loan to be transferred, bringing you closer to owning your new home. Here's a quick look at what's coming next:

Funding Day 💰

This is when the lender sends your loan amount to the seller.

Closing Day 🗝️

The big day! You'll finalize paperwork and get the keys to your new place.

Settlement Statement Review 📄

Before closing, you'll get a detailed statement showing all the financials. Make sure to review it carefully.

Final Walk-Through (for New Developments) 🚶‍♂️

Right before or on closing day, take one last look at the property to confirm everything's in order.

Mortgage Payments 💳

Know when your payments start and how much. Setting reminders or automatic payments can help keep things on track.

Property Taxes & Escrow 🏦

Understand when your property taxes are due and whether they're part of your mortgage payment or paid separately.

And one last thing… Celebrate! 🥂

Buying a home can be stressful, but now it's time to relax, wait for your keys, and enjoy this huge milestone. Congratulations!

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