Step One: Introductory “Big Picture” Needs Assessment Conversation

This conversation is usually via telephone and the goal is simply to understand the immediate need and concerns of the client. In most cases our clients are referred by past clients or real estate professionals who know we will take great care of their clients.

Step Two: Client Completes Online Application

Rather than grill our new clients with a lot of invasive personal question during the initial telephone conversation we ask them to set aside about 15 minutes to fill out a no obligation online application from a link from our website. This ensures that when we meet with the client that we are prepared to provide answers instead of wasting the clients valuable time with questions at the consultation meeting in step #3.

Step Three: Consultative Needs Assessment Meeting

This meeting is a face to face consultation meeting in which we try to establish a high trust relationship with the client. In high cost of living areas such as the greater Seattle area our clients lead busy lives which often require two incomes to support a household. In respect and honor of our clients’ busy schedules we often meet with clients outside normal hours to accommodate their busy work and family lives.

Step Four: Mutual Agreement on Strategy, Mortgage Programs, Rate and Pricing

At the conclusion of the Consultation meeting we agree to move forward with a specific strategy, program, rate and pricing.

Step Five: Columbia Funding Mortgage Takes Charge

During this phase of the transaction we take charge to ensure that the client’s loan is processed and approved in a timely and stress free manner. While we are highly intentional in our communication with the borrower during the phase it is our responsibility to get the job done as stress free as possible for the client.

Step Five: Deliver What We Promise

This sounds like an obvious step but unfortunately many mortgage companies use a Good Faith Estimate as a starting point instead of a road map of what will be delivered at closing. Our clients have stress free closing because what is promised is delivered, and in the rare occasions that the loan program has to change to meet new guidelines, our clients know of that change prior to their closing appointment. In fact, we will not allow final closing documents to be drawn until we review the closing HUD 1 Statement and compare it to the Good Faith Estimate we gave the client at our initial consultation meeting.