You can buy a home in 5 steps
- Lending since 1988
- Guidance from application to closing
- Local loan officers backed by national strength
- Clear communication every step of the way
We help homebuyers become homeowners
Everything you need to get a mortgage and buy a home1:
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Prequalify
Prequalifying for a mortgage tells you exactly how much you can afford to buy so you can shop smarter. You can submit your prequalification application in minutes online or directly through a local Cornerstone loan officer. Sellers favor prepared buyers, giving you an advantage. Many buyers also use this stage to review savings goals, budgeting, and banking options that support homeownership long-term.
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Shop for a home
This is where it gets exciting. Armed with your estimated loan amount, your real estate agent can show you houses that fit your needs and budget. As a prequalified buyer, you won’t waste time touring homes out of your price range.
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Select a loan program
Every homebuyer’s situation is different. Some want a lower monthly payment, while others want long‑term stability and savings. With thousands of loan variations to choose from, your loan officer will work closely with you to help you find the right loan program.
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Get your loan approved
Once your offer is accepted, you’re in the home stretch. Your loan officer will finalize your paperwork and guide your loan through appraisal, underwriting, and final review. With our in-house processing and 100% commitment to on-time closing, communication stays clear and closing timelines on schedule.
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Close on your new home
Closing day is a major milestone, and it’s yours to celebrate. On closing day, you’ll come with your certified or cashier's check, sign your paperwork, and make it official. When the keys are in your hand, you're officially a homeowner.
Real-world impact
A Cornerstone client story
Recently, a young couple came to us with steady jobs, solid credit, and one obstacle in the way: not enough saved for a down payment. Our team paired them with a down payment assistance program and walked them through an FHA loan from start to finish. They closed on their first home with minimal upfront costs.
Not sure where to start?
Feel confident about your mortgage
Mortgage FAQs
Your loan officer will work with you to determine which loan product benefits you. They will review your current finances and future financial goals. Your loan officer will also consider factors like your target monthly mortgage payment and how long you plan to live in the home.
A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate and payment that stay the same over the life of the loan. With an adjustable-rate mortgage, the rate can either increase or decrease, based on market factors. The monthly payment can also go up or down based on the rate adjustment.
A balloon mortgage has a fixed-rate payment for the first 5 to 7 years of the loan, then a lump sum payment of the loan balance is due at a specified date when the loan matures.
A conventional mortgage is a home loan that is not offered or secured by a government entity (like FHA or VA). Conventional mortgages typically conform to the loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Administration (FHFA) and are eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the two government-sponsored enterprises that guarantee the majority of mortgages in the U.S.).
Unlike government loans like FHA, VA, and USDA, conventional loans can be used for more property types (primary residences, second homes, and investment properties). In addition to the popular 30-year fixed conventional loan, there are also more choices for loan structure, including 15-year or 20-year terms and adjustable-rate mortgages.
This is a loan that exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and is ineligible to be purchased Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Jumbo loans can come with maximum limits up to several million dollars. Luxury homes or properties in highly expensive markets are typically financed with jumbo mortgages.
