home buying 101
Learn the basics, or skip right to the good stuff.
your mortgage sneak preview
Mortgages have a reputation for being kind of a pain, but we’re working to change that. Here’s what you can expect from Total Mortgage.
Step 0: Pre-approval
This step, which comes before you choose a house, isn’t technically required. It can save you a headache, though. When you get pre-approved, one of our Loan Experts will take your information, calculate what you can afford, and give you a letter that you can use to back up the offer you make on a house.
Our GreenLight pre-approval is a thing of beauty—once completed, it guarantees you a speedy 21-day closing, leaving you free to focus on more important things (like finding your new home).
Step 1: Application
If you come to us once you’ve already found a house, one of our Loan Experts will walk you through an application to get things rolling. We’ll also calculate your rate and give you chance to lock it in.
Step 2: Processing & Underwriting
After we have your application, your loan heads to our Processing and Underwriting Departments, were we collect your information and verify that you’re ready to buy. Your Processor will be in touch regularly for more input or additional documents.
Step 3: Closing
Once our Underwriters give you the thumbs up, you’re clear to close! This is where we run some final checks, you sign the paperwork, and the seller hands you the keys.
Choose a home buying goal:
today's mortgage rates
Last updated - December 07 2024 4:15pm EST.The table is updated twice every day with the current mortgage rates
Tight moving deadlines? No problem! Meet even the tightest deadlines with our 21 day purchase closing guarantee.*
For almost twenty years, we’ve done nothing but residential mortgages. That’s a lot of experience—and a lot of expertise. We do everything in-house, so our mortgage professionals can guide you through our streamlined process, from credit check to closing.
Having trouble choosing a loan? This will help.
here are some top purchasing resources
The Ultimate Green Home Buying Guide
The Ultimate Home Buying Guide
The Guide to Understanding Your Credit
Can a Non-US Citizen Get A Mortgage Loan?
Buying a Home While Disabled | Disability Home Loan Grants
Homebuying for Unmarried Couples
Mortgage rates are volatile and subject to change without notice. All rates shown are for 30-day rate locks with two and a half points for a single family owner-occupied primary residence with 750 or higher FICO and 80 LTV over a 30-year loan term except where otherwise noted and are subject to mortgage approval with full documentation of income. The APR for a 30-year and 15-year conventional fixed-rate mortgage loans are calculated using a loan amount of $417,000, two and a half points, a $495 application fee, $450 appraisal fee, $1,195 underwriting fee, a $10 flood certification fee, and a $82 credit report fee.* 15-year conventional mortgage rates are calculated with a 15-year loan term.* The APR for jumbo mortgage rates is calculated using a loan amount of $500,000, two and a half points, a $495 application fee, $450 appraisal fee, $1,195 underwriting fee, $10 flood certification fee, and a $82 credit report fee.* The APR for FHA mortgage rates is calculated using a loan amount of $295,000, two and a half points, a $495 application fee, $450 appraisal fee, $1,195 underwriting fee, $10 flood certification fee, and a $82 credit report fee. Some rates and fees may vary by state.* The APR for adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) is calculated using a loan amount of $417,000, two and a half points, a $495 application fee, $450 appraisal fee, $1,195 underwriting fee, $10 flood certification fee and a $82 credit report fee. Some rates and fees may vary by state. Products are subject to availability on a state-by-state basis. By refinancing your existing loan, your total finance charge may be higher over the life of the loan.