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Vista Lending
How it works

Pre-approval to closing,
in 5 steps.

Most mortgages take about 30 days from contract to close. Here's exactly what happens at each step, what you need to do, and how long it really takes.

01
15 minutes

First call

We talk through your situation, income, savings, timeline, goals, and recommend the loan program that fits. No application, no credit pull yet. Just a real conversation.

  • Recommend the right loan program (Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, Non-QM, or Doctor)
  • Estimate the price range you should be shopping in
  • Walk through what documents you'll need to pre-approve
  • Answer any questions, this is the 'explain it like I'm new' call
02
1–3 business days

Pre-approval

You upload documents through our secure portal. We pull credit, verify income and assets, and issue a real pre-approval letter, not a pre-qualification estimate. You can attach it to offers immediately.

  • Secure document portal
  • Credit pull from all three bureaus
  • Income and asset verification
  • Conditional commitment to lend a specific amount
  • Optional: fully-underwritten pre-approval for competitive markets
03
Works with your timeline

Offer & contract

You find a home and write an offer. We adjust the pre-approval letter to match the contract price and help you negotiate loan-related contingencies. The moment you're under contract, we start underwriting.

  • Customized pre-approval letter per offer
  • Financing contingency guidance
  • Loan-related inspection and appraisal contingencies
  • Lock your rate at the right moment
04
14–21 days

Underwriting & appraisal

Underwriting reviews everything in detail. The lender orders an appraisal. Title runs a search on the property. You'll respond to a few conditions, usually things like updated pay stubs or a clarification letter, and then we issue a clear-to-close.

  • Full underwriting review of credit, income, assets, and property
  • Appraisal ordered by the lender (we coordinate timing)
  • Title search and insurance ordered
  • Conditions list, usually 3–5 items, resolved in days
  • Clear-to-close issued when all conditions are met
05
1 hour at title

Closing

You sign the final documents at the title company. The loan funds. The keys get handed over. We close on time, every time, that's the job.

  • Final closing disclosure delivered 3+ business days before closing (required by law)
  • Bring a photo ID and cashier's check or wire confirmation for the down payment + closing costs
  • Signing takes 45–60 minutes
  • Recording and funding happen within hours of signing
  • You get the keys
🎉 Congratulations, you're a homeowner. We'll check in on refinance math whenever rates move.
Ready for Step 01?
The first call takes about 15 minutes.