Loan Process

At California Bank and Trust, obtaining your new home loan will be a convenient, enjoyable process. We offer you the ability to complete every step of the process without leaving the comfort of your own home or office (beginning with our easy on-line application to closing the final loan documents over your own kitchen table). Although all of the tools necessary for obtaining your home loan are available online, we also offer you direct access to a Home Loan Advisor who will assist you Monday through Friday 8am to 8pm (PST) by telephone or E-mail.


You are using a secure site. Answers on your application are encrypted for privacy and safety. Your loan application and loan tracking data will be completely private and at no time will any of your personal information be sold or distributed.


There are no up-front fees for applying and you can check the status of your loan under Loan Tracking 24 hours a day. Following are the five simple steps of obtaining a home loan:
Loan Application

We make it easy to apply for a loan. You can choose between one of three convenient options:

  • Apply Online - You can complete a customer friendly on-line application 24 hours a day. The online application takes about 10 minutes and you will get an immediate response during business hours.
  • Apply by Telephone - Home Loan Advisors are available Monday through Friday 8am to 8pm (PST) to take your application and/or discuss program recommendations, interest rates, or other questions.
  • Short Form - If your time is limited, you can complete a short form and a home loan advisor will respond at a time convenient for you.
Pre-Approval

With our advanced automated underwriting systems, we can issue preliminary approvals in minutes as opposed to days. Once we have received your application we will review your credit. A Preliminary Approval means your credit and information stated on the loan application meet the guidelines for the loan program which best fits your situation. This pre-approval will have conditions that must be met before your loan can be funded. Typical conditions include property appraisal, title search, verification of income and liquid assets, and evidence of homeowners insurance.
Loan Processing

During processing we ensure that all proper documentation has been obtained and verified to meet the conditions from the preliminary approval. Immediately upon application you are sent a Good Faith Estimate of settlement costs, a Truth in Lending Disclosure, and other information and documents pertinent to your transaction. You should carefully review these documents, sign and return them promptly. A Property Appraisal and Title Search are ordered and verifications are often sent to your bank and your employer.
Final Approval

The Underwriter will review and analyze your processed loan package and either approve, deny, or suspend your application. The underwriter will take into account your income, qualifying ratios, credit history and cash reserves.
Settlement and Funding

Settlement and Funding are the final steps in the loan process. You will meet with a closing agent at a local title company, attorney's office, or at your own home. While at settlement you will read and sign the final loan documents. Many of these documents will be familiar to you as they were provided in the initial package you received after application. Your closing agent will be able to answer any questions you may have. Your Home Loan Advisor and Loan Processor are also available to help as needed.


This meeting is called a settlement because everyone "settles up" with funds being wired or delivered as requisite. In a purchase you would also add your down payment and money for any fees you have to pay. In a refinance, your current lender is paid off and all fees are paid out of the loan proceeds. In a "Cash Out" refinance, left over funds will be disbursed to you (federal law requires a three day waiting period for funds to be disbursed if refinancing your primary residence).


Most settlements take less than an hour. Congratulations! You have completed the loan process. We are always available for any questions you have and look forward to serving you again.

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