The six steps you should go through when you close a loan are:

1. Organize Your Documents
2. Get Qualified For Your Loan
3. Shop For Loan Programs and Rates
4. Apply for Loan
5. Receive Loan Approval
6. Close Loan

As you can see, there's a lot of work to do before you even apply for your loan. Following these steps in this order will greatly expedite your loan and relieve your stress while you're shopping for a great new home.