Mortgage Dos:
Understand your overall financial health.

Know your credit score and any outstanding debts before you start house hunting. Request your credit report from annualcreditreport.com to see where you stand.

Get preapproved.

Finding your dream home only to lose it because financing isn’t ready can be avoided. Apply today to get preapproved before you start shopping.

Return requested documentation.

Your mortgage loan officer will need information about your employment and income, including pay stubs and tax records, along with any other assets. Our documentation checklists can help you stay organized.

Document any cash gifts.

Gift money may or may not be allowed depending on your situation. We’ll need details on where the funds came from, including any additional cash deposits into your accounts.

Keep payments current.

Continue making your rent or mortgage payments on time throughout the process.

Overcommunicate.

Changing jobs, getting a raise or planning a vacation? Let your mortgage loan officer know. Keeping them in the loop helps keep your loan moving.

Mortgage Dont's:
Open new lines of credit or make big purchases.

Hold off on that new car or credit card until after you’ve closed. New financing can affect your credit and delay or even prevent approval.

Jump jobs.

A consistent employment history helps keep the lending process on track. If your job situation changes, let your loan officer know as soon as possible.

Make undocumented transactions.

Closing or opening accounts, transferring funds (especially cash) or selling large assets like a boat or trailer without proper tracking can trigger additional documentation requests. Check with your mortgage loan officer before making any moves.

Cash out investments or 401(k)s.

Wait until after closing to avoid extra documentation requests or the risk of losing funds to a declining market.

Go it alone.

Questions come up. We’re here to help guide you through the process, so don’t hesitate to reach out anytime.

Mortgage Calculators

Try out one of our handy calculators and crunch some serious numbers to see how much home you can afford.

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Mom, dad and daughter standing together and smiling in front of new house.
Home Buyers' Mortgage Toolkit
Mom, dad and daughter standing together and smiling in front of new house.

Learn more about the mortgage application process and find the documents you'll need to get started, whether you’re buying your home in Michigan or anywhere else in the U.S. These resources are especially helpful for first-time home buyers or anyone who has never had a home loan before.

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All loans subject to approval. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change and may vary based on credit worthiness, qualifications, and collateral conditions.