To apply for a house mortgage loan in the United States, follow these steps: 1) Check your credit score and address any issues to ensure eligibility. 2) Calculate your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio to confirm you meet lenders’ requirements (typically 43% or lower). 3) Compare mortgage types (fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate) and interest rates from multiple lenders. 4) Obtain pre-approval to determine your budget and strengthen offers during home shopping. 5) Submit a completed mortgage application with documents like pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and property appraisal. 6) Undergo underwriting, where lenders verify financial stability before final approval. 7) Close the loan by signing final paperwork and paying closing costs.

The mortgage application process hinges on creditworthiness, debt management, and competitive rates. A strong credit score (700+ FICO) reduces loan costs, as Fannie Mae requires scores above 620 for conforming loans. Lenders cap DTI at 43% (Fannie Mae) to ensure repayment capacity, with higher ratios increasing denial risks. For example, a $100,000 annual income with $40,000 in debt exceeds DTI limits, disqualifying the applicant. Pre-approval saves time, as 72% of buyers found it critical for navigating competitive markets (National Association of Realtors, 2023). Average 30-year fixed rates in 2023 were 7.08% (Freddie Mac), making rate shopping essential. Underwriting delays (average 30 days in 2023) often stall closings, underscoring the need for prompt documentation. Data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau shows 63% of rejected applications cite insufficient documentation or high DTI, highlighting preparation as a key success factor.