Essential Do's and Don'ts for Confident Central Valley Homebuying, Part Two. A Light-hearted Approach.

Do’s and Don’ts for a Smooth Mortgage Process, Central Valley Edition – Part 2

If you’re buying a home here in the beautiful Central Valley, chances are you want your mortgage process to be smooth, drama-free, and wrapped up faster than a Lodi wine tasting on a hot afternoon. While it may not always feel like it (especially when your loan officer asks for page 6 of May’s bank statement for the third time), trust me — lenders want an easy process just as much as you do.

Here are some light-hearted yet important “Do’s and Don’ts” to help your mortgage process go smoothly. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, following these tips will help you close your loan faster, avoid premature gray hairs, and make sure your loan officer — that’s me, by the way — can deliver the top-notch service you deserve here in the Central Valley.

The Central Valley Mortgage Do’s and Don’ts:

Do: Ask your loan officer questions and actually listen to their answers.
Don’t: Rely on mortgage advice from your cousin’s hairdresser’s neighbor who had a real estate license for six months in 1995.

Do: Send requested documents promptly.
Don’t: "Forget" to mention things like a pending lawsuit, unpaid child support, or the fact you haven’t filed taxes since 2016. (Yes, we will find out. Spoiler alert.)

Do: Check your email regularly for updates.
Don’t: Start a loan the day before leaving for a 2-week cell-service-free camping trip to Yosemite.

Do: Discuss your rate lock and closing timeline with your loan officer.
Don’t: Ask for a rate lock, then call a week later quoting a radio ad about “the lowest rates in history (again)!”

Do: Be confident in your loan officer before you apply.
Don’t: Go “loan shopping” with six other lenders the week before closing. That’s not savings, that’s stress.

Do: Review your application for accuracy.
Don’t: Stress over your credit report not matching today’s balances to the penny. It’s normal.

Do: Know your payoff balance (hint: it’s not just your principal).
Don’t: Assume your payoff is magically the same as your mortgage statement. Interest is a thing.

Do: Understand your escrow account ahead of time.
Don’t: Change your homeowner's insurance the day before closing without telling your lender.

Do: Get a written Loan Estimate and discuss it thoroughly.
Don’t: Trust vague promises like “Don’t worry, this is a killer deal!”

Do: Reach out with questions — that’s what I’m here for!
Don’t: Leave 3 voicemails on Memorial Day and wonder why I didn’t call back immediately (Hint: BBQ season).

While these might sound a bit silly, I’ve had many of these happen over the years and many more that are not listed. (Yes, even the “I’m out of the country with no email” vacation one.) The key to keeping things smooth? Work with a loan officer who’s clear, communicative, and ready to help — like me.

Ready to buy a home in the Central Valley or just have questions?
Call me at 209-227-7745, email me at rbrtclark53@gmail.com, or visit robertclarkloans.com. Let’s make your mortgage process as easy as possible — and maybe even have a little fun along the way.