Before you decide to apply, let’s make sure you’re ready to take this step and have a clear understanding of the timeline and everything you’ll need to provide.

Apply for a home loan the right way

When it comes to owning a home, you are responsible for much more financially than when you are just renting. Budgeting for a down payment, closing costs, taxes, and your mortgage is a great place to start. Also, keep in mind the longer-term costs of things like renovations, furniture, repairs, and homeowners’ insurance.

Before you apply for a home loan, there are several details that can impact how smoothly the process goes. Check your credit score and make sure there are no errors on your report. If your score is low, that can impact your ability to secure better rates at higher amounts, so you may want to wait a few months to raise your score before applying. If your score is solid and you’re ready to get pre-approved, you’ll also want to be prepared to consider multiple loan types to find the option that best suits your budget and income.

What should I know about online home loans?

In today’s market, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a smart way to begin the online home loan process. Not only does it give you a clear budget for how much home you can afford, but it also sends a strong message to sellers that you are a serious buyer. And once you’re pre-approved with Reali, you’re not “locked” in forever, and you can still consider getting a loan elsewhere.

Online home loans are just as reliable and secure as traditional home loans. The benefit to you is that our digital technology allows us to offer you a 24/7 paperless service so that you can apply completely online and on your own schedule. The Reali application process is fast, private, and hassle-free.

Take steps to apply for a home loan

Once your offer is accepted, it’s time to apply for your home loan. You’ll start by filling out a streamlined, comprehensive loan application, and you will need to provide a series of documents like your pay stub, previous tax returns, most recent bank statements, and more. During this process, we’ll take a deeper dive into your financials to confirm loan approval and determine the exact amount you can borrow—and at what interest rate. After you submit your loan, the team at Reali will get back to you within one business day. Then, you’ll be able to view your custom rate quote and multiple loan options when it’s convenient for you.

Understanding the types of home loans online

You’ll need to keep in mind a few factors when deciding between types of home loans online. Reali offers fixed-rate loans, which is when your rate always stays the same. We’ll let you know upfront how much your interest and monthly payments will be. From there, you can select the loan term. To get rid of debt faster, consider a 15-year loan. If you want to make smaller payments over a longer amount of time, a 30-year loan may be best for you. You’ll know you found the right mortgage option when it fits your budget and has an interest rate you’re comfortable with. Ask one of our experts for details or to learn more about which loan may be best for you.

Save money when you refinance your home loan

With rates at historic lows, many current homeowners are looking to refinance their home loans to save money. If you strike at the right time, refinancing can give you a lower monthly payment and a locked-in interest rate. If you’re ready to refinance your home, make sure you consider: the term of the new loan, what programs are best for your financial situation, additional associated expenses (closing costs, appraisal fees, title insurance, etc.), and whether you want to switch from an ARM to a fixed-rate mortgage.

Ready to apply for a mortgage loan?

We know this is a big step, and our team at Reali couldn’t be more excited to support you through this process. Once you apply for a mortgage loan, a dedicated Loan Officer will work with you every step of the way. Stay informed from your phone or computer by logging into your account and following along from our online dashboard, where you’ll be able to see right where you are in the mortgage process.