Appraisals, Underwriting & the Waiting Game—The Buyer’s Reality Check Series

January 19, 2026

Financing Phase

Progress isn’t always visible.


After the option period ends, buyers expect things to move quickly. Instead, this phase often feels quiet—sometimes uncomfortably so.


Documents are submitted. Questions come in waves. Then silence.
That silence doesn’t mean nothing is happening. It means verification is underway.

What This Phase Is

This stage focuses on confirming two things:


  • The home’s value (appraisal)
  • The buyer’s financial profile (underwriting)


It’s procedural, not emotional—which is why it feels slower than earlier phases.

The Appraisal

The appraisal confirms that the home’s value supports the loan amount.
It’s not a judgment about the purchase—it’s a data-based assessment using comparable sales and property condition.


Most appraisals come in at value. When they don’t, it creates a conversation—not an automatic failure.

Underwriting

Underwriting is where income, assets, credit, and documentation are verified.
Requests can feel repetitive or poorly timed because files are reviewed in layers.



Silence here is common. It usually means the file is being worked.

Why This Phase Feels Stressful

Buyers are no longer making decisions—they’re waiting.
That loss of control often triggers concern, even when the process is moving normally.



No news is rarely bad news.

What Progress Looks Like

Progress in this phase is mostly invisible:



  • Reviews happen behind the scenes
  • Conditions are cleared methodically
  • Timelines are monitored carefully


This stage is about certainty, not speed.

Staying Oriented

The Financing & Appraisal Tracking Tool helps buyers understand where they are in the process so waiting doesn’t turn into worry.


During this phase, the Cindy Coggins Realty Group remains involved—monitoring timelines and communication to keep the transaction moving forward.

Continue the Buyer Journey

Previously:
 ➡️ The Option Period Explained


Next:
 ➡️ Coming next: Closing Week Without the Panic (release date: 1/23/26)

Making Informed Buying Decisions Across
North Texas & DFW

If you’re planning to buy a home in Sachse, Princeton, or Allen, or anywhere across North Texas and the DFW area, Cindy Coggins Realty Group can help you evaluate your options and understand how local market conditions affect your decisions. When you’re ready, reach out to start a conversation and move forward with confidence.


📞 Call or Text: (469) 499-7452
📧 Email:  cindycoggins@kw.com