Welcome & Congratulations

My name is Silvia Herrera, Mortgage Broker of Castle Signature Lending.
Thank you for the opportunity to assist you in achieving your homeownership goals!

My intention is to guide you through every step of this journey and ensure the process is as simple, stress-free, and pleasant as possible.

Below, you’ll find the steps to get started. Please take a few minutes to complete each section carefully. It’s a short and easy process, but if you get stuck at any point or have questions, feel free to reach out to me.

I look forward to working with you!

Below you’ll find 4 important steps

Please follow them in order, and once you finish each step, come back to this page to move on to the next one.

Take your time — every step brings you closer to your pre-approval and your new home 🏡✨

#1 - Opting out of unsolicited calls:

Before we begin, I highly recommend opting out of unsolicited calls from credit solicitors. Once you click the button and access the Opt-Out page, scroll all the way down until you see the section that says “Click here to Opt In/Out.” Select “Electronic Opt-Out for 5 Years,” then click Continue. Fill out the basic information requested and confirm your submission. When you’re done, come back to this page to continue with the next step in your mortgage process.

#2 - Credit Analysis

This step allows us to securely review your credit in order to begin your pre-approval.

  • Click on “Authorize Your Credit Here.”

  • Complete the form with accurate information.

  1. Submit your application and pay the credit report fee:

    • Single borrower: $79

    • Two borrowers: $147

💡 Why this is important:


We use one single credit report to shop for the best interest rate across dozens of wholesale lenders. This report is valid for 90 days, and even after the 90 days, we will not need to repull your credit unless you go under contract on a home.

Once you’ve completed this step, come back to this page to continue with the process.

#3 - The 1003 Application:

This step is where we begin building your full mortgage file. Once you click the link, it will prompt you to create an account and then ask you for some basic information like your name, date of birth, address, employment, and income details. This is where we start structuring your application so we can later submit it to the banks for approval. Please fill out to the best of your ability and don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions.

#4 - Supporting Documentation:

Collecting your documents early is key to a smooth and fast approval.

You can upload your documents directly to your secure borrower portal (link below), or email them to:
[email protected] whichever is easier for you.

Here’s what happens after you submit your info

Review

I’ll personally review your application within 24 hours.

Call/Text

You’ll receive a quick message from me to confirm that I’m working on your application and to clarify any additional details if needed.

Approval

Once your file is approved, I’ll send you an email with your official Pre-Approval Letter.

Home Shopping:

With your pre-approval in hand, you’ll be ready to start shopping for your new home (or refinance to lock in a better rate).

What To Do & Not To Do During

Your Home Buying Process

Please don’t hesitate to call me before making any financial decisions during this process — I just want to make sure we don’t do anything that could affect your ability to close the loan smoothly.

🚫DON’Ts — What To Avoid

  • Don’t buy a new car or finance anything big. This can raise your debt and lower your approval amount.

  • Don’t apply for new credit cards or loans. Every credit inquiry affects your score and can trigger underwriting issues.

  • Don’t use your credit cards excessively. Try to keep balances under 30% of your limit.

  • Don’t deposit large amounts of cash. Lenders need to source all funds, and cash deposits can’t be verified.

  • Don’t co-sign for anyone else. Even if it’s “just helping,” it’ll count against your debt ratio.

  • Don’t make major changes to your bank accounts. Keep your money where it is until after closing.

  • Don’t skip communication. Always reach out if something changes — I’m here to help you navigate it.

✅ DOs — What You Should Do

  • Keep your finances stable: Continue paying all your bills on time — consistency is key.

  • Stay at your current job: Avoid switching jobs or changing your income source until after closing.

  • Keep communication open: If you’re unsure about a purchase or deposit, check with me first.

  • Save your paperwork: Hang on to pay stubs, bank statements, and any financial docs — we might need updated copies

  • Respond quickly: When we request documents, try to send them as soon as possible to avoid delays.

  • Stay pre-qualified ready: Any changes to your income, debt, or assets can affect your approval, so keep everything consistent.

TESTIMONIALS

What our Happy Homeowners are saying...

See how our services are making a difference for people like your.

Final Step — You’re Almost Home!

Take a deep breath — you’ve just completed the most important part of your homeownership journey! Every detail you’ve shared brings you one step closer to unlocking the door to your new home 🏡

From here on, my team and I will handle the heavy lifting — analyzing, structuring, and guiding your file until we reach that moment where you’re holding the keys in your hand. 🔑

Remember: communication and consistency are everything. Stay in touch, follow the steps, and trust the process — we’re in this together.

I’m truly excited to celebrate your closing day soon… because this isn’t just another loan — it’s the start of your next chapter. 💫

Silvia Herrera

Your Mortgage Partner