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Waiting for Mortgage Approval

I wanted to title this blog post, HSBC mortgage services sucks. But then though better of it.
There have been so many highs and lows in this home buying process and right now we're at a particularly low ebb.
It’s been almost two months since we went into contract on the property and yet I'm still in HSBC mortgage services limbo. I still have not been approved for a mortgage. I thought about shopping around to other mortgage lenders but I had chosen  HSBC because I was already enrolled in their first time home-buyer program (First Home Club). As part of my enrollment, for 10 months I saved $188 in an regular HSBC savings account. HSBC would then match my savings by 4. Over the 10 months, I have saved $1880 with the financial match, this becomes $7520. This program is designed to assist home-buyers with closing cost.  I also had to attend a home buying seminar at a community organization.

 Despite my student loans, I would consider myself to be credit worthy. I have had the same job for 5 years and been in my chosen field for 7 years. I repay my bills on time and have a 800 point credit score. I have two credit cards, but mostly rely on one card for recurring monthly bills. I pay my bills on time. I have been careful with money, putting away a portion of my paycheck each month into an high interest savings account. It’s daunting to me that I have yet to receive mortgage commitment.
I think that my mortgage lender is avoiding me. She has not responded to my  calls nor emails. Maybe my anxiety is causing me to be a bit impatient.
I've been soliciting advice from people who have been through this process before. One coworker was in contract for six months on her coop. Six months? good grief, I don’t think I can wait that long.
My real estate attorney, tells me that this is to be expected as in New York where it's not unusual for this process to drag on for several months, especially when you purchase a cooperative or condominium.  
After mortgage approval, the next step will be for the property to be appraised by the bank. Then I have to be interviewed by the coop board! I will keep you posted on any new developments.

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