Are you looking for a mortgage? We’ve put together a list of 6 steps that will take you from application to signing. These concise tips will help make the process as smooth and efficient as possible.

Step 1. Fill out A Mortgage Application

You’ve already been approved for a mortgage by one or more lenders. Now you need to choose which lender to work with when you buy your home. Call at least three lenders before meeting with them in person or submitting an online application. To save time, ask the lender you’re considering to fill out the application for you over the phone or in person.

Step 2: Review Your Loan Figures

Now that you’ve applied to several lenders, it’s time to compare the terms and pricing of different loans. Use the Loan Estimate forms that each lender sent you. If a term or figure is unclear, ask the lender to explain it in terms you understand. Don’t worry too much about the interest rate if it looks high; instead, focus on the four figures: Total Cost over five years, Principal Paid over five years, Annual Percentage Rate (APR), and Percent of Cost Paid in Interest. These will make it easy for you to compare offers.

Step 3: Select and Commit to A Lender

You’ve compared the costs and terms charged by lenders. Now evaluate their reliability and response times. Go with someone you trust, as you’ll be working with this person for a long time. Once you’re prepared to proceed, contact the lender of your choice.

Step 4: Loan Processing

Processing mortgages typically takes 2-4 weeks. During this time, every claim you make on your application is examined. Respond quickly to inquiries and demands by providing requested documents as soon as possible.

Step 5: Underwriting

You can now rest easy; your work has been done. If you are called upon again, it will be to respond to more inquiries and produce more paperwork.

Step 6: Your Loan Is Ready to Close

In the final stage of your loan process, the lender must provide you with a Closing Disclosure form. This document lists all of the fees associated with your mortgage and must be approved by you before you can proceed with closing. Check to ensure that all your costs and amounts are the same as they were on the Loan Estimate. If they aren’t, ask the lender to explain why.

Now is the time to decide if you want to move forward. If you do, you’ll be one step closer to finishing the closing process. You have to sign a few more papers, and you’ll be done!