Getting Started

Visit our library of loan literature.

One of your greatest advantages in the home-buying process is knowledge. Your Allen Tate Realtor and Mortgage Consultant will provide you with a wealth of excellent information to help your understanding of what to expect and increase your comfort level. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions and explain each step of the process. Additionally, the following resources (downloadable and printable) provide information you may find helpful as you move forward on your journey toward homeownership.

Printable Documents

Information Needed for Mortgage Application

What information do you need to apply for a mortgage? Today’s lending requires extensive documentation. Here is a list of items you will need to bring to complete your mortgage loan application so you’ll be ready.

Consumer Handbook on Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARM)

Published by the Federal Reserve Board, this 41-page handbook gives you an overview of Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs), explains how they work, details the various types of ARMs and discusses some of the issues that you might face as a borrower.

Consumer Guide: Credit Reports and Credit Scores

Your credit history and activity are important, especially when purchasing a home. This new publication, published by the Federal Reserve, helps you understand your credit report, credit scores and credit bureaus, and provides answers to some of the most common questions about establishing, maintaining and improving your credit.

Good Faith Estimate

The Good Faith Estimate (GFE) form provides an estimate of your settlement charges and loan terms if you are approved for a loan. For more information, see HUD’s Settlement Cost Book, your Truth-in-Lending Disclosures, and other consumer information at www.hud.gov/respa.

HUD-1 Settlement Statement

The HUD-1 Settlement Statement provides a comprehensive list of all charges and credits to the borrower and seller in a real estate transaction. You have the right under RESPA to inspect the HUD-1 Settlement Statement before settlement occurs.

HUD Interest-Only Mortgage Payments and Payment-Option ARMs - Are They For You?

This brochure, from the Federal Reserve, includes information, a glossary of terms and a mortgage shopping worksheet that can help you decide if an interest-only mortgage payment or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is the right option for you.

HUD Settlement Cost Book - Shopping for Your Home Loan

This booklet will help you become familiar with the various stages of the home-buying process, including deciding if you are ready to buy a home, determining how much home you can afford, shopping for your home, and shopping for a loan.

IRS Form 4506-T Request for Transcript of Tax Return

You will need copies of Federal income tax returns for the past two years to complete a mortgage application. Use Form 4506-T to request tax return information. You may also designate a third party, i.e. your mortgage lender, to receive this information.

Monthly Household Budget (Excel)

This document will allow you to determine your monthly income vs. fixed expenses, creditor payments and variable expenses, to estimate your target mortgage payment and determine if you are financially ready to become a homeowner.