Welcome Guide

Your Smooth Start to
the Home Loan Process

A step-by-step guide to homeownership — from application to keys in hand.

Our Promise to You

Built on Integrity,
Delivered with Excellence

The Brad Hall Team is one of the top mortgage branches in the U.S. We're local experts who've closed thousands of loans. We pride ourselves on being educators of the home loan process and have repeatedly ranked among the top mortgage originators in the country.

Clear and consistent communication throughout the transaction

Relationships built on integrity and trust

Outstanding customer service

Timely closings

100% committed to delivering an exceptional home lending experience

Your Own Team

A dedicated team ensures your questions get answered fast and your loan stays on track.

Communication

Weekly status calls, weekly email updates, and four-hour response times — guaranteed.

Close on Time

Our growth is built on referrals from clients who love our closing process.

Local Experts

Thousands of loans closed. Deep roots in the community. We know this market.

Step by Step

6 Steps to Getting
Your New Home Loan

We believe the better you understand the loan process, the more things will go as planned. That's why we guide you through every step in advance.

Start the Process

Find a Home

Loan Application

Processing & Verification

Underwriting & Final Approval

Closing

Click any step to expand details.

Loan Programs

Choosing the Right Loan

Every borrower's situation is unique. We offer a wide range of loan programs to match your goals, credit profile, and down payment.

Conventional

›3% down payment
›Direct servicer for Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac
›Minimum credit score of 620

FHA

›3.5% down payment
›Direct seller/servicer for FHA
›Minimum credit score of 500

VA

›No down payment required for Military Veterans
›Direct servicer for VA
›Minimum credit score of 500

USDA Rural Development

›0% down payment option available
›100% of closing costs can be gift funds
›Minimum credit score of 620

Jumbo

›5% down payment option available
›Loan amounts: up to $5 million for primary residences and second homes
›Up to $2 million for investment properties

Niche Programs

›Asset Qualifier
›Foreign Nationals
›Renovation Loans
›Reverse Mortgages
›Down Payment Assistance
›Investor Cash Flow
›Extended Rate Lock

What to Gather

Documentation Checklist

Having these documents ready before you apply will help keep your loan process moving smoothly and on schedule.

Purchase Checklist

Valid photo identification

Bank/asset statements for the last two months (checking, savings, stocks, mutual funds, IRA, or other liquid assets)

Pay stubs for the last 30 days

W-2 forms (1099) for the past two years

If self-employed or owning more than 25% of a business: business tax returns for the past two years including all schedules and K-1s

For other real estate owned: loan information, monthly payment, rent collected, HOI/HOA

Homeowners insurance contact info

Landlord/mortgage company information for the past two years

Certificate of Eligibility and DD-214 or Statement of Service (VA loans only)

Bankruptcy or property short-sale/foreclosure information (if applicable)

Copy of settlement statement if you sold property in the last three months

Child support payment info, copy of divorce decree and/or separation agreement (if applicable)

Copy of the signed real estate contract (if you've already made an offer)

Resident alien card, front and back (if applicable)

Refinance Checklist

Current mortgage statement for the property you want to refinance

Current second mortgage or equity line statement

Estimated value of your home

Recent annual homeowners insurance policy statement

Expert Advice

Tips to Buy or Refinance

Think About the Future

If you plan to move within a few years, tell your loan officer so they can find the right loan for you.

Check Your Credit History

Review your credit before house hunting. Fix any errors you find before applying.

Determine Your Buying Power

Use mortgage calculators to understand what you can afford before you start searching.

Buy in a Good School District

A significant factor for many homebuyers. When you sell, this could help maximize your sale price.

Get Professional Help

A professional agent, especially an exclusive buyer's agent, will help you with strategies and have your interests at heart.

Do Your Homework

Research sales trends in the area — that will affect your initial bid and can save you thousands.

Know Your Refinance Goal

Are you looking to reduce your payment or pay off faster? Speak with your loan officer about your goal and the options available.

Don't Be Fooled by Rate Alone

It's a myth that dropping your rate a certain percentage always benefits you. Many factors determine if refinancing is truly a financial benefit.

Protect Your Approval

Tips for a Smooth
Loan Approval

Once your loan is in process, these guidelines will help ensure an effortless approval and avoid costly delays.

✓ Do

✓Immediately inform the team of any change in your employment, income, or assets

✓Continue living at your current residence

✓Continue making your mortgage or rent payments

✓Keep working at your current employer

✓Stay current on all existing accounts

✓Explain any credit blemishes and credit inquiries

✓Research and choose a homeowners insurance company and program

✓Understand that the government is involved in the process

✗ Don't

✗Make any major purchases (car, appliances, furniture, or start home improvement)

✗Apply for new credit or loans

✗Consolidate your debt or pay off any collections, loans, credit cards, or charge-off accounts

✗Close, max out, or overcharge any credit card accounts

✗Change bank accounts or transfer balances from one account to another

✗Change your sources of closing funds

✗Deposit large amounts of cash into your bank account without proper documentation

Unsure if something will affect your loan approval? Let us know as soon as possible.

Ask Us Anything →

Next Step

Your Loan Appointment

At your appointment, you'll receive everything you need to move forward with confidence. We'll confirm 24 hours before your appointment.

›Your available home loan programs

›Your monthly payment options

›A review of your credit report

›A total cost analysis

›A list of missing items and next steps

Get Pre-Approved Schedule a Call

BRAD HALL · NMLS #940371

M: 707.479.8153 · D: 540.274.3640

Your Smooth Start tothe Home Loan Process

Built on Integrity,Delivered with Excellence

6 Steps to GettingYour New Home Loan