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Step 1: Application

Your journey to real estate financing starts here. The loan application is your first formal step toward securing funding—and MoneyMatcher makes it quick, simple, and stress-free. In just 5-10 minutes, you can complete an application that gets your file in front of multiple lenders.

What to Expect​

The application process sets the stage for everything that follows. Here's what happens:

StageDurationWhat Happens
Application5-10 minutesYou provide basic information
Soft Credit PullInstantCredit checked (doesn't affect score)
Initial Review24-48 hoursMoneyMatcher reviews your file
Lender MatchingSame dayMatched with 3-7 suitable lenders

No commitment required - Applying doesn't obligate you to proceed.

Information You'll Need​

Gather these details before starting your application for the smoothest experience:

About You (The Borrower)​

Personal Information:

  • ✅ Full legal name
  • ✅ Date of birth
  • ✅ Social Security Number (for credit check)
  • ✅ Current address
  • ✅ Phone number and email
  • ✅ Citizenship status

For Entity Borrowers (LLC, Corp, etc.):

  • ✅ Entity name and type
  • ✅ State of formation
  • ✅ EIN (Employer Identification Number)
  • ✅ Names of all principals/owners

About the Property​

Property Details:

  • ✅ Property address
  • ✅ Property type (SFR, multi-family, commercial, etc.)
  • ✅ Number of units (if applicable)
  • ✅ Estimated property value or purchase price
  • ✅ Current occupancy status (owner-occupied, rented, vacant)
  • ✅ Rental income (if investment property)

For Purchases:

  • ✅ Purchase price
  • ✅ Contract status (under contract, looking, etc.)
  • ✅ Target closing date

For Refinances:

  • ✅ Current loan balance
  • ✅ Current interest rate
  • ✅ Current monthly payment
  • ✅ Cash-out amount needed (if applicable)

About the Loan​

Loan Request:

  • ✅ Loan amount needed
  • ✅ Loan purpose (purchase, refinance, cash-out)
  • ✅ Down payment amount (for purchases)
  • ✅ Preferred loan type (if known)

The Application Walkthrough​

Section 1: Contact Information​

What We Ask:

  • Name, email, phone
  • Best time to contact
  • Are you a broker or direct borrower?

Why It Matters: We need to reach you with lender matches and updates. Response time matters in real estate!

Section 2: Property Information​

What We Ask:

  • Property address or location
  • Property type
  • Number of units
  • Approximate value
  • Occupancy (owner-occupied, rental, vacant)

Why It Matters: Property type and value determine which loan programs fit. A 4-unit rental needs different financing than a single-family primary residence.

Section 3: Loan Details​

What We Ask:

  • Purchase price or current value
  • Loan amount requested
  • Purpose (purchase, rate/term refinance, cash-out)
  • Timeline (when do you need to close?)

Why It Matters: These details help us match you with lenders who can meet your specific needs and timeline.

Section 4: Financial Overview​

What We Ask:

  • Estimated credit score range
  • Annual income (approximate)
  • Down payment / cash available
  • Previous real estate experience

Why It Matters: This helps us pre-qualify you for appropriate programs. Don't worry about exact numbers—estimates work for initial matching.

Section 5: Authorization​

What We Ask:

  • Consent for soft credit inquiry
  • Agreement to terms of service
  • Privacy policy acknowledgment

Why It Matters: The soft credit pull lets us see your actual score without affecting it. This ensures accurate lender matching.

Understanding the Soft Credit Pull​

What Is a Soft Pull?​

A soft credit inquiry (soft pull) is a credit check that:

  • ✅ Shows your credit score and history
  • ✅ Does NOT affect your credit score
  • ✅ Is NOT visible to other lenders
  • ✅ Helps us match you accurately

Soft Pull vs. Hard Pull​

FeatureSoft PullHard Pull
Affects Credit Score❌ No✅ Yes (5-10 points)
Visible to Other Lenders❌ No✅ Yes
When It HappensApplicationFormal loan submission
PurposePre-qualificationFormal approval

Important: MoneyMatcher only performs a soft pull during the application. Hard pulls happen later when you formally apply with your chosen lender.

After You Submit​

What Happens Next​

Within Minutes:

  1. Application received and logged
  2. Soft credit pull completed
  3. Initial file created in our system

Within 24-48 Hours:

  1. MoneyMatcher reviews your application
  2. Your profile is matched against 2,000+ lenders
  3. Matching algorithm identifies best fits
  4. You receive 3-7 lender options

You'll Receive:

  • Email with your matched lenders
  • Rate and term comparisons
  • Next steps for each option
  • Direct contact with MoneyMatcher advisor

What If There Are Questions?​

Sometimes we need clarification:

  • Incomplete information
  • Unusual property types
  • Complex scenarios

We'll contact you directly to gather additional details before proceeding with matching.

Tips for a Strong Application​

1. Be Accurate​

Provide truthful information:

  • Estimates are fine, but don't inflate income or credit
  • Discrepancies delay the process
  • Better to under-promise and over-deliver

2. Have Rough Numbers Ready​

Know approximately:

  • Your credit score (check free at Credit Karma, etc.)
  • Your annual income
  • Your available down payment
  • The property value or price

3. Know Your Timeline​

Lender matching considers timing:

  • Urgent deals get different options than relaxed timelines
  • Be realistic about when you need to close
  • Account for inspections, appraisals, etc.

4. Be Reachable​

After applying:

  • Check your email (including spam folder)
  • Answer calls from unknown numbers
  • Respond quickly to messages

Fast response = faster funding!

5. Ask Questions​

Not sure about something?

  • Leave a note in the application
  • Call our support team
  • Don't guess on important details

Frequently Asked Questions​

Q: Is my information secure?​

A: Absolutely. MoneyMatcher uses bank-level encryption (256-bit SSL) to protect your data. We never sell your information to third parties. Read our Privacy Policy for details.

Q: Will applying hurt my credit score?​

A: No. The initial application uses a soft credit pull that does NOT affect your score. Hard inquiries only happen later when you formally apply with a specific lender.

Q: How long does the application take?​

A: Most borrowers complete the application in 5-10 minutes. If you have all your information handy, it can be even faster.

Q: What if I don't know exact numbers?​

A: Estimates are perfectly fine for the initial application. We'll verify exact figures during the documentation phase. Just be reasonably accurate.

Q: Can I apply if I'm just exploring options?​

A: Yes! Many borrowers apply early to understand their options. There's no commitment to proceed, and you can take your time reviewing matches.

Q: What if my situation is complicated?​

A: Complex scenarios are our specialty. Note any unusual circumstances in your application, and our team will work with you directly. We've seen it all!

Q: Do I need to apply separately for different loan types?​

A: No. One application covers all loan types. MoneyMatcher's matching algorithm considers DSCR, conventional, bridge, hard money, and commercial options automatically.

What Comes Next​

After your application is complete:

Step 2: Document Submission → Learn More

  • Upload supporting documents
  • Verify income, assets, property details
  • Use our secure portal with Chandra OCR

Step 3: Underwriting → Learn More

  • Lender reviews your full file
  • Property appraisal ordered
  • Conditions may be issued

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid​

❌ Leaving Fields Blank​

Missing information delays matching. Take the extra minute to complete all fields.

❌ Using Nickname Instead of Legal Name​

Use your full legal name exactly as it appears on your ID and tax returns.

❌ Wrong Property Address​

Double-check the address. One wrong digit can cause major delays.

❌ Forgetting Co-Borrowers​

If applying with a spouse or partner, include their information too.

❌ Not Checking Email After Applying​

We'll reach out quickly—watch for our messages!

Ready to Apply?​

Start your application in 5 minutes:

  1. ✅ Gather basic property and financial info
  2. ✅ Have your SSN ready for soft credit pull
  3. ✅ Know your approximate loan amount
  4. ✅ Complete the online application
  5. ✅ Receive lender matches within 24-48 hours

Start Your Application →

Need Help?​

Our team is here to assist:

Questions about the application? We're happy to walk you through it step by step.