01Day 1
The conversation
A 15-minute text or call. Where you are, where you want to be, what you’re nervous about. Arthur tells you what’s realistic and what documents he’ll need.
The process
Eight phases. Zero mysteries.
Most of the stress in buying a home comes from not knowing what happens next. So here is exactly what happens next — every phase, how long it typically takes, and what you’ll hear from Arthur along the way.
02Same day – 48 hrs
Pre-approval
You upload pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, and bank statements through Fairway’s secure portal. Arthur reviews credit, income and assets and issues a pre-approval letter you can shop with.
03You set the pace
House hunting
Tour with your agent. Text Arthur any address and he pulls the real Cook County tax bill and reruns the payment. Your pre-approval stays current while you look.
04Hours
The offer
Arthur talks to the listing agent so your financing is understood and taken seriously — that matters in multiple-offer situations on the North Shore.
05Week 1–2
Processing & appraisal
Under contract. Rate locked when it makes sense. Appraisal ordered, title opened, your file assembled for underwriting. You’ll get a Loan Estimate within three business days.
06Week 2–3
Underwriting
An underwriter verifies everything. Conditions are normal — a letter of explanation, an updated statement. Arthur tells you what’s needed and why, in plain English.
07Week 3–4
Clear to close
Conditions satisfied, loan approved. You receive the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing — compare it to your Loan Estimate; Arthur walks through it with you.
08~Day 30
Closing day
Sign at the title company, wire your funds, get your keys. Then Arthur checks in after your first payment to make sure everything landed where it should.
Communication
You’ll never wonder what’s going on with your loan.
Arthur texts at every milestone — application received, appraisal ordered, appraisal back, submitted to underwriting, conditions, clear to close, closing scheduled. Your agent gets the same updates so everybody is on the same page.
- Loan Estimate within 3 business days of application
- Rate lock confirmation in writing
- Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing
- Post-closing check-in after your first payment
haven’t heard anything in 4 days… is that bad?
Not with me. If you haven’t heard from me, it’s because nothing changed — and I’ll still send you a ‘nothing changed, here’s where we are’ text every few days so you never have to ask.
Want to start phase one?
Text Arthur at 847-912-6580. Fifteen minutes, no paperwork, and you’ll know exactly what comes next.