Securing Your Loan: Turning “Yes” Into “You’re Approved”
Josie Dvorken, DRE #02085290 – Equity Union Real Estate
Once your offer is accepted and the Purchase Agreement is signed, the next step is to secure your mortgage loan. This is the stage where your lender, appraiser, and escrow team all work together to confirm that the home — and your finances — are ready for closing.
My role is to make sure you understand every step, communicate with your lender, and help keep the process seamless so you can focus on the fun part: preparing for your new home.
The Loan Process at a Glance
Once the signed Purchase Agreement is in hand, we’ll deliver your completed mortgage application and supporting documentation to your lender. From there, your loan goes through several key stages:
Credit Check – Your lender reviews your credit history and score to verify borrowing eligibility.
Underwriting – A mortgage underwriter evaluates your financials, assets, income, and debt-to-income ratio to confirm loan approval.
Survey (if applicable) – In some cases, a property survey is conducted to verify boundaries and confirm no encroachments or title issues.
Appraisal – The lender orders a professional appraisal to confirm that the property’s market value aligns with your agreed-upon purchase price. I’ll help coordinate and schedule this step for you.
Insurance – Once the loan is approved, you’ll secure homeowner’s insurance, which protects your property and satisfies the lender’s requirements.
Closing Day – Once all documentation is cleared and final funds are ready, your lender wires the loan proceeds to escrow, and you’re officially on your way to homeownership.
Why the Appraisal Matters
The appraisal is one of the most important steps in the loan process. It confirms for both you and your lender that the home’s value supports the agreed purchase price. If the appraised value is consistent, your financing moves forward.
As your agent, I’ll facilitate the appraisal appointment, track progress, and communicate updates — ensuring that everything stays on schedule.
After Loan Approval
Once your mortgage is approved, your lender issues a “clear to close.” You’ll then:
Finalize your homeowner’s insurance.
Schedule your closing date with escrow.
Wire your down payment and closing funds securely.
At this point, the finish line is in sight. You’ve completed the financial foundation of your purchase — and the next time we meet, it will likely be to hand you the keys.
Josie Dvorken explains the loan process for Coachella Valley home buyers — from credit checks and appraisals to insurance and closing — to help you secure financing with confidence.
Josie Dvorken is a marketing consultant, creative director, and licensed real estate professional serving the Coachella Valley. With a background in photography and design, she brings an innovative, story-driven approach to real estate marketing. As a Marketing Consultant for The Leiterman Group at Equity Union, she helps shape the team’s brand and community presence. Josie also founded Desert Nesting, a lifestyle magazine that celebrates the people, homes, and neighborhoods that make desert living so distinctive.
Josie Dvorken | DRE#02085290 | Equity Union Real Estate
44-495 Town Center Way, Suite B, Palm Desert, CA 92260
