📝
Step 6

Apply

From pre-approval to your offer

What Happens at This Step

This is the most document-heavy part of the process — and the most stressful for most buyers. We walk you through every single step: getting pre-approved with multiple lenders, gathering your financial documents, making a competitive offer, surviving the inspection, and finally reaching closing day.

  • 1Get pre-approved by 2–3 lenders and compare offers
  • 2Submit assistance program applications (if applicable)
  • 3Make your offer with contingencies for inspection and financing
  • 4Complete home inspection and appraisal
  • 5Sign closing documents and receive your keys

Documents You'll Need

  • Last 2 years of W-2s or tax returns
  • Last 30 days of pay stubs
  • Last 2–3 months of bank statements
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Social Security number (for credit check)
  • Gift letter (if using gift funds for down payment)
  • Rental history / landlord contact (if applicable)

We provide a pre-approval document checklist with upload capability so everything is organized in one place before you meet your lender.

Expected Costs at This Step

Home inspection: ~$300–$500 | Appraisal: ~$400–$600 | Closing costs: 2–5% of loan

These are standard homebuying costs paid to third parties. We help you understand each one so there are zero surprises.

Why Let Us Guide You Through This

  • ✓Our pre-approval checklist ensures you're never caught missing a document
  • ✓We help you compare lender offers side by side so you get the best rate
  • ✓Our attorney flag alerts you if your state requires a real estate attorney at closing

Steps are unlocked as you progress

Each step must be completed before moving to the next. This keeps your journey on track and ensures you never skip a critical milestone — protecting your time, money, and eligibility.