CNBC Select explains how to apply for a mortgage, from preparing financially and getting preapproval to undergoing the underwriting process and finally closing.

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. Erika Rasure is globally-recognized as a leading consumer economics subject matter ...

applying for a mortgage loan. However, before you can submit a loan application and buy a home, there's a good bit of preparation to be done. Here's what to expect when applying for a mortgage ...