Mortgage Process

What do I need to do to start my mortgage purchase process?

Prior to Applying for a Mortgage

• Check your Annual Credit Report
• Assess your spending
• Budget for new or changed expenses
• Determine what can you afford
• Decide how much you want to spend on your home
• Determine down payment
• Check in with family and friends that have recently gone through the mortgage process
• Create a loan application packet
• Schedule your home inspection. A home inspection is one of the most important steps you can take to make sure your new home is a sound investment and a safe place to live. While the bank may not require this to be done, it is highly recommended. Contact your mortgage originator if you have any questions.
• Glossary

Mortgage Application Process

The application will ask you questions about the home and your finances and takes less than 20 minutes to complete. After your application is completed, a Mortgage Originator will contact you to introduce him or herself and to answer any questions you may have. Your Mortgage Originator is a mortgage expert and will provide help and guidance along the way. Your Mortgage Originator will schedule an in-person meeting with you. At that time, we will discuss the cost of the application, appraisal fees and collect any paperwork that’s needed. If you are purchasing a new home, the Mortgage Originator may also contact the real estate broker or the seller to secure necessary property information. Here are a few tips to complete before you apply:

• Understand the different Mortgage Loan Programs available with NBT Bank and select the one that’s right for you.
• Learn about the costs associated with NBT Bank loans by checking our rates.
• Gather and update your paperwork.
• Get a prequalification or a preapproval letter from NBT Bank. Once you submit your online application one of our Loan Originators will reach out to you and determine if you are looking for a prequalification or preapproval and will issue a letter if you qualify. 
• We will order an appraisal once you apply.

After you Apply

We will send you an application package and prepare your loan for closing. The application package will be sent to you and will contain papers for you to sign and a list of items we'll need to verify the information you provided about your finances during the online application.

We'll order the appraisal from a licensed appraiser who is familiar with home values in your area. Depending on your finances and the loan amount requested, different types of appraisals are used.

Mortgage Closing

Title insurance will be necessary. We'll use the title insurance policy to confirm the legal status of your property. You will need to work with your real estate broker, seller, attorney or title agent to assure that title work is completed promptly. For our Pennsylvania customers, state law requires you to find your own title insurance. Please contact your Mortgage Originator with any questions.

After we receive your application package, supporting documentation, the appraisal and the title work, a closing agent will contact you to schedule your closing. Again, our Pennsylvania customers, you’ll need to find your own title insurance. Please contact your Mortgage Originator with any questions.

The closing will take place at a mutually agreeable location in your area (generally an attorney’s office). We encourage you to make contact with the closing agent to review final details and information prior to the closing date. Here’s some tips to follow related to your closing.

• Submit your NBT Bank loan documents and answer requests from your NBT Mortgage Originator
• Secure Homeowners Insurance with NBT Insurance.
  • Loan-related insurance (title insurance, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance)
  • Property-related insurance (flood, wind, hazard)
• Close on your NBT Bank loan
• Save and file your NBT loan documents