ClearPath
TM
Mortgage Application Process
Most mortgage application systems are designed to capture leads, not empower borrowers. That's why we built ClearPath™, an application process designed to provide clear options, upfront expectations, and full transparency from start to finish. Whether you prefer a fully automated process or a highly personalized experience, our system is designed to cater to your preferences, ensuring clarity and support every step of the way.
Fast
Secure
Transparent
Personalized
Step 1
Choose Your Path
✅ Complete an application
✅ Upload documentation (optional but recommended)
✅ Takes 5 minutes to complete
✅ Receive a customized rate quote and closing cost estimate along with hands-on guidance for how to prepare for Pre-Approval
✅ Soft credit inquiry only (no impact on score)
Protected with bank-level security
✅ Complete an application
✅ Upload documentation (required)
✅ Takes 10 minutes to complete
✅ Once complete, schedule a comprehensive Pre-Approval Review meeting with your Loan Officer
✅ Receive a certified Pre-Approval Letter
✅ Hard credit check required (valid for 90 days)
Protected with bank-level security
Step 2
Application
All applications are processed through our secure loan origination system, Arive™. This user-friendly portal allows you to create an account, provide loan details, and upload documents. If you'd prefer to complete the application in person or over the phone, we're happy to assist however and wherever you're most comfortable.
The benefit of working with a Mortgage Broker is that you don’t need to know the exact mortgage program or loan details upfront. Based on your application, we’ll identify the best options available to achieve your goals.
Rest assured, completing an application doesn't obligate you to anything financially. All costs and fees associated with the mortgage will be clearly outlined in the Official Loan Estimate as we move forward in the process.
Step 3
Documentation
Based on the information in your application, the portal will automatically generate a list of required documents required for Pre-Approval. You can start uploading them at your convenience. Since each application is unique, the initial list may not be fully accurate until we've reviewed it. If additional documents are needed, you will receive an email notification from the portal outlining what's required. To get a head start, you can find the general list of required documentation [here].
Step 4
Pre-Approval
After receiving your application, our system processes and analyzes your file, enabling us to match you with the most competitive loan options from our network of Wholesale Mortgage Lenders. At the same time, we work to get you fully Pre-Approved, verifying your financial details so you're prepared to move forward with confidence. We’ll also identify any potential areas for improvement ahead of your Final Application.
Depending on the circumstances, the Pre-Approval process takes us anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. For purchase Pre-Approvals, we’ll provide you with a Pre-Approval Letter upon completion, which can be shared with your Realtor.
Step 5
Pre-Approval Review
During the Pre-Approval Review meeting, your Loan Officer will present different loan types, scenarios, interest rates, estimated closing costs, and everything else you need to make an informed decision.
This meeting can be conducted in person by appointment, via video conference, over the phone, or through email, whichever method you prefer. We will send you a link where you can schedule a meeting at your convenience.
For purchases, our team will collaborate closely with you and your Realtor to ensure you’re submitting a competitive offer while staying comfortably within your budget. You’ll receive a certified Pre-Approval Letter to share with your Realtor and include in any offers.
Step 6
Loan Estimate
A Loan Estimate is a government mandated document required for mortgages and is designed to protect consumers by providing an up-front estimate of all costs, fees and important details of a mortgage loan. We will go over each section together so you’re fully comfortable moving forward. Most of what you'll see in the Loan Estimate will have already been discussed in Step 4.
Step 7
Final Application
Once you’ve reviewed the Loan Estimate and decide to move forward, you will E-Sign the initial disclosures package and your loan will be submitted to Underwriting for final approval.
FINAL STEPS
Once you've submitted the Final Application, we will focus on the remaining steps required before Closing.
Step 8
Underwriting
Underwriting will closely analyze income, credit, title, appraisals, insurance, and assets to make the final determination of whether to approve the mortgage. Much of this review will have already been completed during the Pre-Approval process, ensuring a smoother and efficient underwriting experience. We will work closely with you every step of the way to address all underwriting requirements and ensure your loan closes both smoothly and ahead of schedule.
Step 9
Closing Disclosure (CD)
The Closing Disclosure (CD) is a five-page document that provides the final details about the loan. You will be required to acknowledge receipt and E-Sign the CD disclosures at least three business days prior to the Closing date. This three-day window is mandated under federal law so you have time to compare your final terms and costs to those in the Loan Estimate that you previously received.
Step 10
Closing
The Closing will take place at the Title Company you selected and consists of signing numerous financial and legal documents related to both the property and loan. The Title Agent will walk you through each of them in detail and answer questions as needed. Many of the documents will be familiar since we will have already gone over them throughout the process. Once everything is signed and processed, your loan is officially complete! Funding will occur either same day or shortly after based on the loan type.
Step 11
Post-Closing
After closing, you will receive a welcome letter from the Loan Servicer with instructions on how to make your first payment, set up autopay, and manage your account online. While the servicer handles your payments, we remain your go-to resource for future financing opportunities and expert mortgage guidance whenever you need it. Our commitment to you continues well beyond closing!
FAQ
Will I pay a mortgage broker fee? The mortgage broker model is built around access to wholesale lending, which is specifically designed for brokers to be compensated by lenders, not borrowers, while still offering lower rates and fees to consumers. Unlike retail banks that set their own rates with built-in profit margins, wholesale lenders compete for broker business by offering more competitive pricing. This allows us to secure lower interest rates and reduced fees for you, while our compensation is typically covered by the lender. If a borrower-paid option ever makes sense in a specific scenario, we will disclose it upfront with full transparency, ensuring you always have control over your loan choices. Check out our "What is a Mortgage Broker?" article on our Insights page to learn more.
What Loan Officer will I be working with? You’ll be working directly with Ryan Murray, CFP®, the founder and licensed Mortgage Broker behind Murray Mortgage Solutions. Ryan personally handles all Mortgage consultations and loan applications to ensure every client receives experienced, ethical, and conflict-free guidance. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Ryan brings a level of expertise and fiduciary responsibility that most loan officers simply don’t offer. He doesn’t just understand mortgage products, he understands how they fit into your overall retirement strategy, estate planning, and long-term financial well-being. Visit our About Page to learn more about Ryan.
How do mortgage brokers differ from banks/retail? The user experience with a Mortgage Broker and bank/retail lender is the same in many ways, you work directly with us and our loan officers, just as you would with the loan officers at a bank/retail lender. The key difference is where your loan is funded and how that impacts your options, rates, and costs. When you work with a bank or direct to consumer retail lender, you’re limited to that institution’s loan products, rates, and guidelines. As a Mortgage Broker, we still handle the entire process, but instead of using a single bank’s products, we access wholesale mortgage lenders that fund the loans. These lenders don’t work directly with consumers, they provide funding through brokers like Murray Mortgage Solutions, allowing for lower rates, reduced fees, and a wider range of loan options. So while the process may feel similar, working with a Mortgage Broker not only provides access to better rates and lower fees but also delivers a more personalized, flexible, and streamlined experience tailored to your needs. Visit our “What is a Mortgage Broker” article to learn more.
What application type is best for me? Quick Quote – Best for those who want a fast estimate without providing detailed information. Great for early-stage research or rate shopping. Custom Quote – Ideal for borrowers who want a more tailored rate based on their specific financial details. Requires an application but only a soft credit pull. In most cases, you're better off doing a Pre-Qualification since it will provide a more in depth analysis while still only requiring a soft credit pull. You can seamlessly transition into a Pre-Qualification or Pre-Approval as your next step. Pre-Qualification – A good choice for buyers who want a preliminary assessment of rates, closing costs and how much they may qualify for, while still only using a soft credit pull. Unlike a Custom Rate Quote which is designed for those purely rate shopping, the Pre-Qualification process will provide a custom rate quote but also hands on guidance regarding your options and how to best prepare for the Pre-Approval. You can seamlessly transition into a full Pre-Approval as your next step. Pre-Approval – Essential for serious homebuyers planning to make an offer within 90 days. Involves a hard credit pull and full financial verification, making it a strong signal to sellers and realtors. It will offer the most accurate rate quote possible with the ability to Lock a Rate once a property is identified. Pre-Approvals are the best option in the majority of cases. The impact to your credit score is limited.
Can I transition between application types? Yes, our system is designed to make transitioning between application types seamless and efficient. As you move forward in the mortgage process, you can easily progress from an initial rate estimate to a more detailed qualification or full Pre-Approval without starting over. Whether you begin with a quick estimate, a soft credit pull, or a document review, the system ensures that your information carries over, minimizing duplicate steps. When you're ready to move forward, we guide you through the next stage, making the process as smooth and transparent as possible.
Will applying impact my credit score? It depends on the type of application you choose. Quick Quotes are based on your the estimated credit score you provide and do not involve a soft or hard credit pull. Custom Quotes and Pre-Qualifications use a soft credit pull, which has no impact on your score. Pre-Approvals require a hard credit pull, which may cause a small, temporary decrease, similar to applying for a credit card. However, multiple mortgage-related hard inquiries within a short period (usually 14 days) count as a single inquiry, minimizing the impact. If you're unsure which option is best, we’re happy to help.
How long does my pre-approval last? For most loans, 90 days. Some loan types allow up to 120 days. If your pre-approval expires, all that's required is updated documentation and a new credit report. We'll work closely with you every step of the way.
Pre-Qualification vs Pre-Approval? Pre-Qualification is generally defined as a quick, informal assessment based on basic financial information you provide, along with a soft credit pull that does not impact your credit score. It offers an estimate of how much you may qualify for but does not verify your financial details. Pre-Approval is a more thorough review that involves a hard credit pull and full verification of your income, assets, and debt, giving you a stronger position when making an offer on a home. However, for some clients, a hybrid approach makes sense, where we verify documentation and provide a preliminary qualification while temporarily holding off on the hard credit pull. At Murray Mortgage Solutions, we tailor the process to fit your needs, ensuring you are in the best position to achieve your goal.
Custom Rate Quote vs Pre-Qualification? A Custom Rate Quote and a Pre-Qualification both provide a personalized rate based on a soft credit pull, but they serve different purposes. A Custom Rate Quote is designed for borrowers primarily focused on comparing interest rates. It generates a tailored rate based on your credit profile but does not assess income, assets, or full loan eligibility. A Pre-Qualification provides the same custom rate quote but also evaluates whether you qualify for financing. It takes a deeper look at your financial situation and helps prepare you for a Pre-Approval. If your goal is to move toward securing a home loan, a Pre-Qualification is the better option. If you're primarily focused on rate shopping, a Custom Rate Quote is the right choice to start before transitioning into a Pre-Qualification and/or Pre-Approval.
