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The Home Buying Process Explained
From pre-approval to keys in hand — here’s exactly what to expect at every stage.
Overview
Understanding the home buying process reduces stress and helps you make smarter decisions. At Fidelity Mortgage Credit Services, transparency is our standard. We’ve guided over 5,000 families through the home purchase journey, and we’ve refined every step to be as fast and painless as possible. Here’s your complete roadmap from first inquiry to moving day.
Key Benefits
- ◎ Clear timeline from pre-approval to closing
- ◎ Digital-first process — apply, upload, and sign from your phone
- ◎ Dedicated loan officer available at every stage
- ◎ Average 14-day closing timeline
- ◎ Real-time loan status tracking
- ◎ No surprises — all costs disclosed upfront
Step 1: Pre-Approval — Know Your Budget
Before you start house hunting, get pre-approved. Our 5-minute digital application and soft credit pull give you a clear picture of how much home you can afford without affecting your credit score. A pre-approval letter also shows sellers you’re a serious, qualified buyer — giving you a competitive edge in multiple-offer situations. Pre-approval is free, fast, and comes with zero obligation.
Step 2: House Hunting — Find Your Home
Armed with your pre-approval, work with a real estate agent to find homes within your budget. Attend open houses, schedule showings, and evaluate neighborhoods. Consider factors beyond the home itself: school districts, commute times, property taxes, HOA fees, and future development plans. When you find the right home, your agent helps you craft a competitive offer.
Step 3: Under Contract — Secure Your Financing
Once your offer is accepted, we spring into action. We lock your interest rate, order the home appraisal, and begin processing your loan. You’ll provide income documentation, bank statements, and other supporting materials through our secure digital portal. Our underwriting team reviews everything and issues a conditional approval, then works through any remaining items quickly.
Step 4: Closing — Get Your Keys
At closing, you’ll review and sign your final loan documents, pay any remaining closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home. With FMCS, most documents can be e-signed in advance, making your closing appointment as short as 30 minutes. We coordinate with the title company, your real estate agent, and the seller’s side to ensure everything goes smoothly.
After Closing — What to Expect
After closing, you’ll receive information about your loan servicer (the company that collects your monthly payments), your first payment due date, and instructions for setting up autopay. You’ll also want to file your homestead exemption to reduce your property taxes, set up homeowner’s insurance, and start building equity with every payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about home buying process
How long does the entire home buying process take?
From pre-approval to closing, the process typically takes 30-60 days for most buyers. With FMCS’s digital-first process and streamlined underwriting, we regularly close in 14-21 days. Having your documents ready from day one is the biggest factor in closing quickly.
What documents do I need to buy a home?
Standard documents include: last 2 years W-2s or tax returns, last 2 pay stubs, last 2-3 months bank statements, government-issued ID, and information on any current debts. Self-employed borrowers may need additional documentation. We provide a complete checklist at the start of your application.
Can I buy a home while selling my current one?
Yes, though it requires coordination. Options include making your purchase contingent on the sale of your current home, using a bridge loan, or timing both closings on the same day. We help you structure the transaction to minimize risk and maximize flexibility.
What is earnest money and how much do I need?
Earnest money is a good-faith deposit made when your offer is accepted, typically 1-3% of the purchase price. It shows the seller you’re serious and is applied toward your down payment or closing costs at closing. If the deal falls through due to contingencies (inspection, financing), you typically get it back.
Should I get a home inspection?
Absolutely. A home inspection typically costs $300-$500 and can uncover issues worth thousands of dollars. While not required by lenders, we strongly recommend every buyer get an inspection. It’s your opportunity to identify problems before you’re committed, and to negotiate repairs or credits with the seller.
Ready to Get Started?
Apply in minutes — no obligation, no credit impact.
📞 888-641-1439