1. Loan Pre-Approval application - 1 hour

2. Receive Pre-Approval certificate - Approximately 2-3 business days

3. Continue looking for a home

4. Make offer to buy and upon acceptance notify Lake Mortgage

5. Order final documentation (appraisal, survey, and title report) - 7 business days

6. Contact closing department - schedule closing 4 days in advance

7. Escrow officer - you will have about a 1-hour appointment with the escrow officer to sign legal documents - bring your certified funds



Most often asked questions about being Pre-Approved and pre-qualified for a mortgage

Q. What’s the difference between Pre-Approval and pre-qualification?

A. A pre-qualification is a simple, quick review which only tells you how much of a loan you can afford, and is subject to many variables. A Lake Mortgage Good As Gold Pre-Approval not only tells you what you can afford, but actually pre-approves you for a mortgage loan. When you’re shopping for a home, it’s important to have an accurate idea of how much home you can afford, with no exceptions. There is nothing worse than finding your dream house, telling your relatives and friends, then to find out you do not qualify because of a small credit problem you did not know about.

Q. Why Lake Mortgage Company?

A. As the slogan goes, Lake Mortgage has been “Bringing People and Homes Together for Over 50 Years.” Established in 1946, Lake Mortgage is the second oldest mortgage banker in Northwest Indiana. Lake Mortgage has deep roots in the community and has helped thousands of families fulfill their life long dream of home ownership. Lake Mortgage takes a responsible role in providing home loans for all of the people in Northwest Indiana.

Q. What are the advantages to Pre-Approval?

A. At Lake Mortgage Good As Gold Pre-Approval means you can shop for a home with confidence, you are a ready, willing and able buyer. Your Realtor knows you are serious about buying a home and not just out kicking tires. The sellers know you’re serious and can close quickly and smoothly. By having a Good As Gold Pre-Approval, it often times helps smooth the negotiation process, because you, the buyer, have greater flexibility when dealing with a prospective seller.

Q. How do we start the process?

A. To receive your Good As Gold Pre-Approval kit simply call (219) 756-LOAN and ask to speak with a loan officer. The loan officer will arrange a convenient time to meet with you and discuss this program in detail with you.

Q. What type of loan products does Lake Mortgage offer?

A. Lake Mortgage is a full service mortgage banker offering a complete menu of FHA, VA and conventional loans. Lake has fixed and adjustable rates along with balloon mortgages. Lake is proud of the fact that it retains the servicing in house on the vast majority of its loans.

Q. How long does it take and what is the cost?

A. The initial interview will take approximately one hour, your Good As Gold Pre-Approval Certificate will follow in approximately 2-3 business days. The upfront cost of $50.00, is refundable at time of closing with Lake Mortgage.