Ways to Apply for a Mortgage: Pros, Cons, and Whatβs Best for You
Dec 26, 2025
If you’re thinking about buying a home, one of the first questions you’ll face is how to apply for a mortgage. Most buyers assume there’s only one option—fill out an online application and hope for the best.
That assumption costs people time, money, and sometimes the house.
After nearly two decades as a mortgage lender, I want to walk you through the different ways to apply for a mortgage, the pros and cons of each, and how to choose the option that actually works best for you.
The Main Ways to Apply for a Mortgage
There are three primary ways to apply for a home loan today:
- In-person mortgage application
- Online (digital) mortgage application
- Mortgage application over the phone
Each has advantages—and serious drawbacks if you don’t understand how lenders use them.
In-Person Mortgage Applications: The Old-School Method
Is Applying for a Mortgage in Person Still Common?
Short answer: No.
While it used to be standard to walk into a bank branch and sit down with a loan officer, in-person mortgage applications are now rare.
Most banks have shifted to:
- Call centers
- Online mortgage platforms
- Centralized processing teams
Even most mortgage brokers no longer meet clients face-to-face.
Pros of an In-Person Mortgage Application
- Personal interaction
- Helpful for buyers who need face-to-face reassurance
Cons of an In-Person Mortgage Application
- Extremely time-inefficient
- Requires taking time off work
- Slower processing
- Limited availability
For most buyers, this option simply doesn’t make sense anymore.
Online Mortgage Applications (Digital Mortgages)
What Is a Digital Mortgage Application?
A digital mortgage application allows you to apply for a home loan online—on your phone, tablet, or computer—anytime, anywhere.
This has become the most common way buyers apply for mortgages.
Pros of Applying for a Mortgage Online
β Apply anytime (24/7)
β Fast — often completed in 5–10 minutes
β Easy document uploads
β Fewer spelling and data entry errors
β Convenient for busy buyers
From a technology standpoint, digital mortgages are powerful. You can:
- Upload pay stubs and bank statements
- Track loan status
- Receive document requests instantly
Cons of Online Mortgage Applications (This Is Important)
Here’s what most buyers don’t realize:
Many online mortgage systems use automated decision-making.
That means:
- A computer may auto-decline you
- No loan officer reviews your application
- Small errors trigger unnecessary denials
For example:
- A credit score of 618 instead of 620
- Incorrect income entry
- Debt numbers entered wrong
I cannot tell you how many buyers say:
“You’re the only lender who actually called me.”
That’s because computers don’t ask follow-up questions—people do.
Mortgage Applications by Phone: The Best of Both Worlds
Why Phone Mortgage Applications Are Making a Comeback
We brought back phone mortgage applications for one simple reason:
π Technology without human review is hurting buyers.
Especially first-time home buyers.
Pros of Applying for a Mortgage Over the Phone
β Real loan officer reviews your information
β Immediate answers to your questions
β No auto-declines without explanation
β Faster than you think (often under 10 minutes)
β Personalized mortgage strategy
With today’s technology, phone applications are:
- Quick
- Secure
- Far more accurate than self-entered applications
Who Can Take a Mortgage Application by Phone?
Only a licensed loan officer can legally take your application.
That matters.
If someone is:
- Not licensed in your state
- Not providing NMLS information
- Hard to verify online
π© That’s a red flag.
How to Verify a Legitimate Mortgage Lender (Critical for SEO + Safety)
Before you apply for a mortgage, online or by phone, verify the lender.
What to Look For:
- NMLS number listed clearly
- Licensing information on the website
- A verifiable phone number
- Google Business profile
- Consistent contact information across platforms
Mortgage applications require:
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Employment details
- Bank account information
That’s an identity theft toolkit in the wrong hands.
Digital Mortgage vs Human Review: Why It Matters
A computer can only make a correct decision if the application is filled out perfectly.
Buyers don’t fill out applications like underwriters.
That’s why:
- Human review matters
- Follow-up questions matter
- Strategy matters
A computer might say “no” when the real answer is:
“Not yet—but here’s how we fix it.”
Which Mortgage Application Option Is Best for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Choose Based on Your Comfort Level:
- Want speed and convenience? → Online application
- Want guidance and answers? → Phone application
- Want face-to-face interaction? → In-person lender
The most important thing is not how you apply—it’s who reviews it.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Computer Decide Your Future
Buying a home is the biggest purchase most people ever make.
You should not be:
- Picking loan programs alone
- Getting declined without explanation
- Trusting a computer over an expert
Whether you’re ready to buy now, next year, or five years from now, the right lender will help you build a plan—not crush your dream.
Have mortgage questions? Call 786-933-2077 or visit https://zerostressmortgage.com
Book a call with Jennifer: https://calendly.com/jennifer-beeston
