Making the decision to buy a home is exciting…and overwhelming. Even if you’ve done it before, there are so many things to do that the process can seem daunting before you even start.

No need to stress! MIDFLORIDA is here to make it easier on you. Once you start the ball rolling we’ll take it from there, and guide you every step of the way.

Here’s how the process works.

1. Apply. Whether via our convenient online application, over the phone, or at a mortgage center, we’ll gather the information we need to get you prequalified for your mortgage. This prequalification, along with guidance from your realtor and knowledge of your own budget, will help you stay within your price range while you’re house hunting.
2. Negotiate. When you’re ready to make an offer on a house, your realtor and mortgage originator will use your prequalification to write your offer and offer letter. Once your offer is accepted, the realtor will work with you to negotiate the terms of your contract and provide the final copy to your mortgage originator.
3. Provide. Once your contract is in the works, we will need about 20–35 days to process the loan (depending on your loan program). During that time we may contact you to request various pieces of information, and we may mail you certain required documentation. We also order title work, the appraisal of your new home, and handle any necessary employment verifications. And, we’ll be sure to keep you updated as we go along.
4. Close. When all of the information we need is in order, you will receive an Initial Closing Disclosure a minimum of 4 days prior to your projected closing date. It will outline your expected day of closing, the fees involved, and the cash required. Remember, it’s very important that you review and acknowledge receiving this disclosure right away, so that you can close as planned.* 
   Note: While MIDFLORIDA prepares a majority of the closing documents, the attorney and/or title office are also instrumental in finalizing your closing.
5. Move. That’s it. Enjoy your new home!

Your home team

As your application progresses, you may hear from a few members of our team, including a mortgage application processor (if you applied online), your mortgage originator, a loan processor, and a closing agent.

Throughout this process, you can be confident that your information won’t be handed off to a third party, because our MIDFLORIDA team processes all of our mortgages in-house. You can meet with your mortgage originator (loan officer) face-to-face, discuss which options are best for you, and ask questions any time you need.

Ready to get started?

Apply online, call (863) 688-8443 or toll free (855) 915-4663, or visit your local mortgage specialist.

Article by Sterling Grubbs, NMLS# 372326, MIDFLORIDA’s Senior Vice President II of Mortgage. With 14 years of experience, Sterling oversees the teams that manage all aspects of the mortgage process.

* Note: Acknowledging the receipt of your Closing Disclosures is generally done electronically. Your loan officer will let you know when a link has been emailed to you with a secure login. This is the fastest way to ensure the acknowledgement is received on time. However, if you prefer to do this in person, your mortgage originator will work this out with you in advance. If the acknowledgement isn’t received by the date specified, per federal regulations, your closing will be delayed.