Part 3 of 3 in the First-Time Buyer Series
If you’re buying your first home, the mortgage process can feel like a maze — unfamiliar terms, strict timelines, and plenty of paperwork. But when you know what to expect, it becomes a lot more manageable.
At Redmond Lending, we help first-time homebuyers across North Alabama (including Huntsville, Guntersville, and nearby communities) and Central Georgia (Warner Robins, Macon, Dublin, and beyond) navigate the home loan process with clarity and confidence. In this article, we’ll break it down step by step — so you’ll know exactly what’s coming next.
Step 1: Pre-Approval
This is your launchpad — the first and most important step. Getting pre-approved helps you:
- Understand how much house you can afford
- Strengthen your offer when you find a home
- Show sellers and realtors you’re serious
We’ll review your credit, income, and assets, then provide a detailed pre-approval letter so you can shop with confidence.
Step 2: House Hunting & Offer
With your pre-approval in hand, it’s time to team up with a real estate agent and start shopping. Once you find the right home:
- Your agent submits an offer on your behalf
- You may negotiate on price, closing costs, or repairs
- Once accepted, you’re officially under contract
This is where timelines get tight — and where Redmond Lending shines with fast, responsive communication and speed to close that sets us apart.
Step 3: Loan Application & Disclosures
Now that you’re under contract, it’s time to finalize your mortgage application. You’ll:
- Submit updated documents (if needed)
- Sign initial disclosures
- Lock your interest rate (if you haven’t already)
We’ll explain every form and make sure you know exactly what you’re signing.
Step 4: Processing & Appraisal
Behind the scenes, our team is working to:
- Verify your employment, income, assets, and credit
- Order and manage the home appraisal
- Review title and homeowner’s insurance
- Prepare your file for underwriting
If you’re using a VA loan, we’ll even pay for your VA appraisal — just one way we support those who’ve served.
Step 5: Underwriting
This is the official review process where the underwriter confirms that you (and the property) meet all loan requirements. They may issue:
- Conditional approval with a short list of final items needed
- Suspended if something major needs to be resolved (rare if you’re working with us)
We’ll walk you through any outstanding conditions and help you clear them quickly.
Step 6: Clear to Close
Once all conditions are met, you’re issued a Clear to Close (CTC) — the green light for closing day.
We’ll schedule your signing appointment, review your final figures with you, and coordinate with your closing attorney or title company.
Step 7: Closing Day
This is it! You’ll:
- Sign your closing documents
- Bring any required funds (we’ll tell you the exact amount)
- Get the keys to your new home!
Our team will be available throughout closing day to answer last-minute questions and make sure everything goes smoothly.
Step 8: Post-Closing Support
Most lenders disappear after closing — we don’t.
As your lender for life, Redmond Lending is here to:
- Help you plan for future purchases or refinances
- Revisit your mortgage strategy as rates or goals change
- Support you in improving your credit or growing wealth through real estate
Serving You Today — And Tomorrow
We’re proud to serve homebuyers in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina. But our heart is right here in North Alabama and Central Georgia, where we combine local expertise with a five-star, white-glove experience that puts your needs first.
Ready to get started?
If you’re a first-time buyer looking for a lender who walks with you every step of the way, we’re ready when you are.
Visit redmondlending.com today to schedule your free pre-approval consultation.