You’re Almost There!
Your offer was accepted 🎉, your home inspection is complete 🛠️, and now it’s time to get your mortgage officially locked in.
Step 8 in the 10 Steps to Homeownership is Final Loan Approval—a key milestone in the journey to making your home officially yours. This is when your lender finalizes the underwriting process and gives the green light to close.
💡 What Is Final Loan Approval?
Once you’re under contract, your lender will submit your full loan file to underwriting. The underwriter reviews everything—from your income and credit to the home’s value and condition (via the appraisal)—to ensure you meet loan guidelines.
Once approved, you’ll receive the magic words: “Clear to Close”—meaning the loan is ready and your home is nearly yours.
📈 What About the Appraisal?
As part of the process, your lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home’s value matches the purchase price. This protects both you and your lender by ensuring you’re not overpaying.
If the appraisal comes in low, don’t panic—we’ll work with you to review your options. You may be able to renegotiate with the seller, challenge the report, or cover the difference out of pocket.
📋 How to Stay on Track During Underwriting
This phase requires a little patience and a lot of discipline. Here’s how to keep things running smoothly:
✅ Respond quickly to your lender’s document requests
✅ Continue making all your payments on time
✅ DO NOT make any major purchases or apply for new credit
✅ Don’t switch jobs, move large sums, or co-sign for anyone
✅ Let us or your lender know ASAP if anything changes in your financial situation
Even financing a new couch or opening a store credit card can delay or derail your approval.
🛠️ Use This Time Wisely
While your loan is in underwriting and the appraisal is being completed, it’s the perfect time to check off some important homeowner to-dos:
📦 Set up utility transfers: Gas, electric, water, trash, etc.
📬 Update your mailing address with USPS and any important subscriptions or institutions
🌐 Schedule internet installation (slots fill fast—book early!)
💳 Update your address with your bank, credit cards, Amazon, etc.
📁 Start gathering homeowner documents: warranties, insurance policies, moving receipts
Completing these tasks now helps reduce stress later, and ensures you’re ready for a smooth transition come Closing Day.
🔄 What We’ll Handle
At Omaha Home Pros, we’ll stay in close communication with your lender and title company. Our role includes:
- Confirming your appraisal is ordered and completed on time
- Helping manage any issues that arise
- Keeping all parties (you, the seller, and agents) updated
- Ensuring deadlines in your contract are met
We’re here to keep everything moving and eliminate surprises.
💬 Keep the Lines of Communication Open
This is one of the most important financial decisions of your life, so if you’re ever unsure or uneasy, just reach out. No question is too small—and we’re here for you every step of the way.
🎯 You’re Almost to the Finish Line
Step 8 brings you one step away from becoming a homeowner. Once underwriting is complete and the appraisal checks out, you’ll get that long-awaited “clear to close.”
From there, it’s time to prepare for your final walkthrough and closing day—where your new home becomes a reality.
Let’s keep going—you’re doing great! 🏡
Continue to Step 9: Final Walkthrough – One Last Look Before Closing