Ultimate Guide to Securing a Mortgage in Nigeria

Introduction

Securing a mortgage in Nigeria can seem like a daunting task, especially for first-time homebuyers navigating the complexities of the process. A mortgage is a loan provided by a bank, mortgage institution, or financial company to help you purchase a home or property. Instead of paying the full price upfront, you make a down payment and borrow the remaining amount, which you repay over time with interest. In Nigeria, where homeownership is a major milestone, securing a mortgage in Nigeria is often the only way for many to afford a house, given the high property costs in urban areas like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

What is a Mortgage and Why is it Important in Nigeria?

A mortgage is a financial agreement where a lender provides you with funds to buy a house, and you agree to repay the loan over a set period, typically 5 to 20 years, with added interest. The property serves as collateral, meaning the lender can take it back if you fail to repay. In Nigeria, mortgages are crucial because property prices are often beyond the reach of most people. For instance, a modest three-bedroom house in Lagos can cost ₦30 million to ₦100 million, while in Abuja, prices may range from ₦20 million to ₦80 million. Saving such amounts can take decades, making securing a mortgage in Nigeria a practical solution for homeownership.

The importance of mortgages in Nigeria goes beyond affordability. Owning a home provides stability, eliminates rent payments, and can be a valuable investment as property values often appreciate. However, securing a mortgage in Nigeria comes with challenges like high interest rates (15–22% for commercial banks), strict eligibility criteria, and economic factors like inflation. Understanding these challenges and the mortgage process is essential to succeed.

Types of Mortgages Available in Nigeria

Understanding the types of mortgages available is a critical step in securing a mortgage in Nigeria. Each type has unique features, benefits, and drawbacks, and choosing the right one depends on your income, location, and financial goals. Below is a table summarizing the common mortgage types in Nigeria, followed by detailed explanations and examples.

1. Fixed-Rate Mortgage

A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate that stays the same for the entire loan term, making monthly payments predictable. This is ideal for people who want financial stability. For example, First Bank offers a fixed-rate mortgage at 18% interest for a ₦20 million loan over 15 years. Your monthly payment would be approximately ₦300,000, and it won’t change even if market rates rise. This predictability helps with budgeting, especially in Nigeria’s volatile economy. However, fixed-rate mortgages often start with higher rates than adjustable-rate options.

Example: Tunde, a banker in Port Harcourt, took a ₦30 million fixed-rate mortgage from Stanbic IBTC at 17% interest for 20 years. His monthly payment is ₦450,000, and he appreciates knowing exactly what to budget each month, even when inflation spikes.

2. Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has an interest rate that changes based on market conditions, such as the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Rate. ARMs often start with lower rates, making them attractive initially, but payments can increase if rates rise. For instance, a bank might offer an ARM at 12% initially, but if market rates jump to 20%, your payments could rise significantly. This type is less common in Nigeria due to economic instability but is offered by some banks like Zenith Bank.

Example: Sarah, a businesswoman in Enugu, chose an ARM from a commercial bank for a ₦15 million loan at 13% interest. Her initial monthly payment was ₦200,000, but after two years, the rate increased to 18%, raising her payment to ₦250,000. She managed the increase due to her growing business but advises caution with ARMs.

3. National Housing Fund (NHF) Mortgage

The NHF, managed by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), offers low-interest mortgages (around 6%) to contributors who pay 2.5% of their monthly income to the NHF. It’s designed for low- and middle-income earners, especially civil servants. The maximum loan is ₦15 million, which may not suffice for urban properties but is ideal for smaller towns. For example, a ₦10 million NHF loan at 6% over 15 years requires monthly payments of about ₦85,000.

Example: Musa, a teacher in Kaduna, used an NHF loan to buy a ₦12 million house. He contributed to the NHF for six years, qualified for a ₦10 million loan, and paid a ₦2 million down payment. His low monthly payments make homeownership affordable on his salary.

4. Developer-Backed Mortgage

Property developers like Mixta Africa and UPDC partner with banks to offer mortgages for homes in their estates. These are convenient for buyers targeting specific developments but often have higher interest rates (18–22%). For example, Mixta Africa might offer a ₦25 million mortgage for a house in their Lagos estate, requiring a 20% down payment (₦5 million) and monthly payments of ₦350,000 over 12 years.

Example: Chioma, a lawyer in Abuja, bought a ₦30 million house in an UPDC estate. She paid a ₦6 million down payment and secured a developer-backed mortgage at 19% interest. Her monthly payment is ₦400,000, and she values the streamlined process offered by the developer-bank partnership.

5. Commercial Bank Mortgage

Commercial banks like GTBank, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank provide mortgages with flexible terms but higher interest rates (15–22%). These are suitable for middle- to high-income earners with stable jobs. For instance, GTBank might offer a ₦40 million mortgage at 18% interest over 10 years, requiring a ₦10 million down payment and monthly payments of ₦650,000.

Example: Emeka, a tech entrepreneur in Lagos, secured a ₦50 million commercial bank mortgage from Access Bank at 20% interest for 12 years. He paid a ₦12 million down payment and now pays ₦700,000 monthly, leveraging his high income to afford the payments.

Steps to Securing a Mortgage in Nigeria

Securing a mortgage in Nigeria requires careful planning and execution. Below is a detailed breakdown of each step to guide you through the process.

1. Understanding Your Financial Situation

Before applying for a mortgage, you must assess your financial health to determine what you can afford. This step is crucial because lenders will evaluate your ability to repay the loan, and overborrowing can lead to financial stress.

• Evaluate Your Income: Lenders typically require your monthly income to be at least three times the mortgage payment. For example, if you want a ₦20 million loan with a monthly payment of ₦300,000, your income should be at least ₦900,000. Include all income sources, such as salary, bonuses, or side businesses. For instance, if you’re a freelancer, combine income from multiple clients to meet the threshold.
• Analyze Your Expenses: List all monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, transportation, food, and savings. Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to track spending for 3–6 months. This helps you identify how much you can allocate to mortgage payments without straining your finances. For example, if your total expenses are ₦400,000 and your income is ₦800,000, you can comfortably afford a ₦200,000–₦300,000 mortgage payment.
• Check Your Credit Score: In Nigeria, banks use credit bureaus like CRC Credit Bureau or XDS to assess your creditworthiness. A good credit score (above 650) shows you pay debts on time. Request your credit report (costing about ₦2,000) and fix any errors, like incorrect loan records, before applying. If you have unpaid debts, settle them to boost your score.
• Save for a Down Payment: Most lenders require a 10–30% down payment. For a ₦30 million house, that’s ₦3–9 million. Start saving early, ideally in a high-yield savings account or mutual fund, to grow your funds. For example, saving ₦100,000 monthly for three years at 10% interest can yield over ₦4 million. Also, budget for additional costs like legal fees (1–2% of the property cost) and valuation fees (₦50,000–₦200,000).

Example: Ada, a nurse in Owerri, wanted a ₦15 million house. She earned ₦250,000 monthly and spent ₦150,000 on expenses. After reviewing her budget, she saved ₦50,000 monthly for two years, accumulating ₦1.5 million for a down payment. She also paid off a ₦200,000 loan to improve her credit score, making her eligible for a mortgage.

2. Researching Mortgage Lenders

Choosing the right lender is critical for securing a mortgage in Nigeria, as terms vary widely. Researching multiple lenders helps you find the best rates, repayment periods, and conditions.

• Compare Interest Rates: Interest rates significantly affect your total loan cost. NHF loans offer 6%, while commercial banks charge 15–22%. For a ₦20 million loan over 15 years, a 6% rate means ₦170,000 monthly, while 18% means ₦300,000. Use online mortgage calculators or consult lenders to estimate costs.
• Examine Loan Terms: Check the repayment period (5–20 years), early repayment penalties (some banks charge 1–2% of the remaining balance), and flexibility for missed payments. Longer terms reduce monthly payments but increase total interest. For example, a ₦10 million loan at 15% over 10 years costs ₦198,000 monthly, but over 20 years, it’s ₦132,000 monthly with higher total interest.
• Visit Multiple Lenders: Contact banks (e.g., GTBank, First Bank), mortgage institutions (e.g., FMBN), and developers (e.g., Mixta Africa). Each has unique offerings. For instance, FMBN is best for low-income earners, while GTBank suits high earners. Schedule meetings to discuss terms and ask for written offers to compare.
• Seek Reviews and Recommendations: Read online reviews on platforms like Nairaland or ask friends who have mortgages. For example, a colleague might warn you about a bank’s slow processing or hidden fees. Mortgage brokers can also recommend lenders based on your profile, though they may charge a fee (1–2% of the loan amount).

Example: Obi, a pharmacist in Kano, visited five lenders: FMBN, GTBank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, and a developer. FMBN’s NHF loan was too small (₦15 million), and GTBank’s 19% rate was high. He chose Zenith Bank’s 16% rate for a ₦25 million loan, saving ₦50,000 monthly compared to GTBank.

3. Meeting Eligibility Requirements

Lenders have strict criteria to ensure you can repay the loan. Understanding and meeting these requirements is essential for securing a mortgage in Nigeria.

• Age: You must be 21–60 years old at the loan’s end. For a 20-year mortgage, you can’t be older than 40 when applying. Some banks, like Access Bank, may extend to 65 for high-income earners.
• Income: A steady income is required, typically ₦100,000 monthly for NHF loans and ₦300,000–₦500,000 for commercial banks. Self-employed applicants must show consistent income for 1–2 years via bank statements or tax returns.
• Employment: Lenders prefer applicants with stable jobs or businesses for at least 1–2 years. Civil servants have an advantage for NHF loans, while private-sector employees need employment letters or contracts.
• NHF Contribution: For NHF loans, you must contribute 2.5% of your income for at least six months. For example, a ₦200,000 salary requires a ₦5,000 monthly contribution.
• Credit History: A clean credit record is vital. Defaulting on previous loans or having unpaid credit card debt can disqualify you. Check your credit report and resolve issues before applying.

Example: Funmi, a civil servant in Ibadan, applied for an NHF loan. She was 38, earned ₦150,000 monthly, and had contributed to the NHF for three years. Her clean credit history helped her secure a ₦12 million loan, despite a previous loan she paid off.

4. Preparing Your Documents

Lenders require specific documents to verify your eligibility and the property’s legality. Preparing these in advance speeds up the process.

• Valid ID: Provide a driver’s license, international passport, or national ID. Ensure it’s not expired, as banks reject outdated IDs.
• Proof of Income: Submit six months of payslips, bank statements showing salary credits, or tax returns (for self-employed applicants). For example, a freelancer might show ₦2 million in annual revenue via bank statements.
• NHF Contribution Records: For NHF loans, provide your NHF passbook or contribution statement from your employer or FMBN.
• Property Documents: Include the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), survey plan, deed of assignment, and building approval. These prove the property’s legality. For instance, a house without a C of O may be rejected.
• Application Form: Complete the lender’s mortgage form accurately, including details about the loan amount and repayment period.
• Other Documents: Submit recent passport photographs, a letter of introduction from your employer, or a business registration certificate (for self-employed applicants). Some lenders may request utility bills or a guarantor’s letter.

Example: Segun, a contractor in Benin City, applied for a ₦20 million mortgage from First Bank. He gathered his passport, six months of bank statements showing ₦500,000 monthly income, and the property’s C of O. His complete documentation led to approval in five weeks.

5. Applying for the Mortgage

Once you’ve chosen a lender and prepared your documents, it’s time to apply. This step involves submitting your application and navigating the approval process.

• Choose a Property: Select a house within your budget and with proper legal documents. For example, a ₦25 million house in Port Harcourt requires a ₦5 million down payment for a 20% requirement. Verify the property’s title with a lawyer to avoid disputes.
• Submit Your Application: Visit the lender’s branch or apply online (available with banks like GTBank). Submit all documents and pay any application fees (₦5,000–₦50,000). Double-check for errors to avoid delays.
• Property Valuation: The lender will send a valuer to assess the property’s worth, costing ₦50,000–₦200,000, which you may pay. The valuation ensures the property matches the loan amount.
• Wait for Approval: The lender reviews your income, credit, and property documents. This takes 2–8 weeks, depending on the lender’s efficiency and document completeness. FMBN may take longer due to bureaucracy, while commercial banks are faster.
• Address Issues: If the lender finds issues (e.g., incomplete documents or property disputes), resolve them promptly. For example, if the C of O is missing, work with the seller to obtain it.

Example: Ngozi, a teacher in Jos, applied for an NHF loan for a ₦10 million house. She submitted all documents but faced a delay due to a missing survey plan. After providing it, her loan was approved in eight weeks, and she paid a ₦2 million down payment.

6. Understanding Mortgage Terms

Before signing the mortgage agreement, carefully review the terms to avoid surprises. Key terms include:

• Interest Rate: Confirm if it’s fixed (e.g., 18%) or adjustable (e.g., 12–20%). Fixed rates ensure stable payments, while adjustable rates may change. For a ₦20 million loan, a 2% rate difference can save or cost ₦50,000 monthly.
• Repayment Period: Shorter terms (e.g., 10 years) mean higher monthly payments but less total interest. Longer terms (e.g., 20 years) lower monthly payments but increase interest. Choose based on your income.
• Penalties: Some lenders charge 1–2% of the remaining balance for early repayment or late payments. For example, missing a ₦300,000 payment might incur a ₦6,000 penalty.
• Insurance: Many lenders require home insurance (to protect the property) or life insurance (to cover the loan if you pass away). These cost 0.5–1% of the property value annually.
• Other Fees: Budget for legal fees (1–2% of the loan), valuation fees, and stamp duties (0.5% of the property value).

Example: Kunle, a doctor in Lagos, reviewed his ₦40 million mortgage terms with Access Bank. The 18% fixed rate over 15 years meant ₦600,000 monthly payments. He avoided an adjustable-rate option due to potential rate hikes and budgeted ₦200,000 for insurance and fees.

7. Closing the Deal

The final step is signing the agreement and receiving the loan funds. Here’s what to expect:

• Sign the Agreement: Review the contract with a lawyer to ensure it matches the discussed terms. Sign only when satisfied.
• Pay the Down Payment: Transfer the down payment (e.g., ₦5 million for a ₦25 million house) to the lender or seller.
• Cover Closing Costs: Pay legal fees, stamp duties, and registration fees, typically 2–5% of the property value. For a ₦20 million house, this could be ₦400,000–₦1 million.
• Receive Funds: The lender disburses the loan to the seller, and you take possession of the property.
• Start Repayments: Begin monthly payments as agreed, typically within 30–60 days. Set up automatic payments to avoid missing deadlines.

Example: Amaka, a manager in Abuja, closed her ₦30 million mortgage with GTBank. She paid a ₦6 million down payment and ₦500,000 in closing costs. The bank disbursed ₦24 million to the seller, and she started paying ₦400,000 monthly.

Regional Differences in Securing a Mortgage in Nigeria

The process and challenges of securing a mortgage in Nigeria vary across regions due to differences in property costs, lender availability, and economic factors.

• Lagos: Lagos has the highest property prices, with a three-bedroom house costing ₦30–100 million. Commercial banks like GTBank and Access Bank dominate, offering high-value mortgages (₦20–100 million) at 15–22% interest. Developer-backed mortgages are common in estates like Lekki and Victoria Island. However, high down payments (20–30%) and strict income requirements (₦500,000+ monthly) exclude many. Property documentation issues, like fraudulent C of Os, are also common, requiring thorough legal checks.

Example: Dele, a marketer in Lagos, secured a ₦50 million mortgage for a Lekki house. He paid a ₦12 million down payment and faced delays due to a disputed C of O, resolved after hiring a lawyer.

• Abuja: Property prices in Abuja range from ₦20–80 million, slightly lower than Lagos. NHF loans are popular among civil servants due to the city’s government presence, but commercial banks like Zenith Bank also offer mortgages. Interest rates are similar to Lagos (15–20%), but property documentation is generally clearer, speeding up approvals. Developers like UPDC offer mortgages in estates like Maitama.

Example: Halima, a government worker in Abuja, used an NHF loan to buy a ₦15 million house in Gwarinpa. Her civil servant status and NHF contributions made approval straightforward.

• Port Harcourt: Property costs in Port Harcourt range from ₦15–50 million. Commercial banks and developers like Mixta Africa are active, but NHF loans are less common due to fewer contributors. High interest rates (18–22%) and economic fluctuations from the oil industry affect affordability. Property disputes are also prevalent, requiring careful verification.

Example: Tonye, an engineer in Port Harcourt, secured a ₦25 million developer-backed mortgage for a house in a Mixta estate. He paid a ₦5 million down payment but needed a lawyer to verify the property’s title.

• Northern Nigeria (e.g., Kaduna, Kano): Property prices are lower (₦5–20 million), making NHF loans more practical. FMBN is a major player, and commercial banks like First Bank offer mortgages at 15–18%. However, fewer lenders and limited estate developments restrict options. Cultural preferences for self-built homes also reduce mortgage demand.

Example: Zainab, a lecturer in Kano, used an NHF loan to buy a ₦10 million house. The low property cost and her NHF contributions made the process affordable.

• South-East (e.g., Enugu, Owerri): Property costs range from ₦10–30 million. Commercial banks like Zenith and Access are active, but NHF loans are popular among civil servants. Documentation issues, like unregistered titles, can delay approvals. Interest rates are 15–20%, and down payments are typically 20%.

Example: Chukwu, a trader in Enugu, secured a ₦20 million mortgage from Zenith Bank. He faced delays due to an incomplete survey plan but resolved it with the seller’s help.

Challenges of Securing a Mortgage in Nigeria

Securing a mortgage in Nigeria is not without hurdles. Here are the main challenges and how they impact the process:

• High Interest Rates: Commercial bank rates of 15–22% make monthly payments expensive. For a ₦20 million loan at 20% over 10 years, you’d pay ₦400,000 monthly, unaffordable for many.
• Strict Requirements: Lenders demand high incomes, stable jobs, and clean credit, excluding self-employed or low-income applicants. For example, a freelancer with irregular income may struggle to qualify.
• Limited NHF Access: NHF loans are affordable but capped at ₦15 million, insufficient for urban properties. Only NHF contributors qualify, limiting access.
• Economic Instability: Inflation (15–20% annually) and naira devaluation increase repayment costs, especially for adjustable-rate mortgages.
• Property Documentation: Many properties lack proper titles like a C of O, causing delays or rejections. Legal disputes over land are common in Lagos and Port Harcourt.
• Processing Delays: Bureaucracy, especially with FMBN, can extend approvals to 3–6 months, frustrating applicants.

Tips for Successfully Securing a Mortgage in Nigeria

To overcome these challenges and improve your chances of securing a mortgage in Nigeria, consider these tips:

• Build a Strong Credit Profile: Pay off debts and maintain a good credit score. For example, settling a ₦500,000 car loan improved John’s credit score, helping him secure a mortgage.
• Save Aggressively: Aim for a higher down payment (20–30%) to reduce the loan amount. Saving ₦200,000 monthly for three years can yield ₦7.2 million.
• Hire a Mortgage Broker: Brokers connect you with suitable lenders, saving time. They charge 1–2% of the loan but can negotiate better rates.
• Verify Property Documents: Work with a lawyer to confirm the C of O, survey plan, and other titles. This avoids delays, as seen in Dele’s Lagos case.
• Budget for Extra Costs: Set aside 5–10% of the property cost for fees like legal, valuation, and insurance. For a ₦30 million house, budget ₦1.5–3 million.
• Negotiate with Lenders: Ask for lower rates or longer terms. For instance, asking for a 15-year term instead of 10 can reduce monthly payments by ₦100,000.

Case Studies: Real-Life Stories of Securing a Mortgage in Nigeria

Case Study 1: Aisha’s NHF Mortgage in Abuja

Background: Aisha, a 35-year-old civil servant in Abuja, earned ₦180,000 monthly and wanted a ₦12 million two-bedroom apartment. She had contributed to the NHF for five years.

Process: Aisha applied for an NHF loan through FMBN. She submitted her NHF passbook, payslips, and property documents, including the C of O. The process took three months due to FMBN’s bureaucracy. She was approved for a ₦10 million loan at 6% interest over 15 years, requiring a ₦2 million down payment.

Outcome: Aisha pays ₦85,000 monthly and owns her apartment. She advises starting NHF contributions early and verifying property documents.

Case Study 2: Chinedu’s Commercial Bank Mortgage in Lagos

Background: Chinedu, a 40-year-old IT professional in Lagos, earned ₦800,000 monthly and targeted a ₦50 million house in Lekki.

Process: He approached GTBank, providing payslips, bank statements, and property documents. The bank approved a ₦40 million loan at 18% interest over 10 years, requiring a ₦10 million down payment. The process took six weeks, with a ₦100,000 valuation fee.

Outcome: Chinedu pays ₦650,000 monthly and appreciates the bank’s efficiency. He recommends comparing multiple lenders to save on interest.

Case Study 3: Fatima’s Developer-Backed Mortgage in Lagos

Background: Fatima, a 30-year-old entrepreneur, wanted a ₦25 million house in a Mixta Africa estate in Lagos. Her business earned ₦400,000 monthly.

Process: Mixta partnered with Stanbic IBTC for a mortgage. Fatima submitted business financials, bank statements, and a ₦5 million down payment (20%). The loan was approved at 20% interest over 12 years in five weeks.

Outcome: Fatima pays ₦350,000 monthly and values the developer’s streamlined process. She suggests working with reputable developers to avoid title issues.

Case Study 4: Ibrahim’s Mortgage in Kano

Background: Ibrahim, a 42-year-old lecturer in Kano, earned ₦250,000 monthly and wanted a ₦15 million house. He was an NHF contributor for seven years.

Process: He applied for an NHF loan through FMBN, submitting his contribution records and property documents. The process took four months due to delays in property valuation. He secured a ₦12 million loan at 6% over 15 years, paying a ₦3 million down payment.

Outcome: Ibrahim pays ₦100,000 monthly and is happy with the low rate. He advises patience with FMBN’s slow process.

Case Study 5: Nkechi’s Commercial Mortgage in Enugu

Background: Nkechi, a 38-year-old trader in Enugu, earned ₦350,000 monthly and targeted a ₦20 million house.

Process: She approached Zenith Bank, providing two years of bank statements and property documents. The bank approved a ₦16 million loan at 17% interest over 12 years, requiring a ₦4 million down payment. A missing survey plan delayed approval, but she resolved it in six weeks.

Outcome: Nkechi pays ₦250,000 monthly and recommends hiring a lawyer to verify property titles.

FAQs About Securing a Mortgage in Nigeria

What is the minimum income needed to get a mortgage in Nigeria?

Most lenders require ₦100,000 monthly for NHF loans and ₦300,000–₦500,000 for commercial bank mortgages. Higher incomes (₦1 million+) may be needed for expensive properties in Lagos or Abuja.

How long does it take to get a mortgage in Nigeria?

Approval takes 2–8 weeks for commercial banks and 3–6 months for NHF loans, depending on document completeness and property verification.

Can self-employed people get a mortgage in Nigeria?

Yes, but it’s challenging. You need 1–2 years of bank statements or tax returns showing consistent income. For example, a freelancer earning ₦400,000 monthly must prove stability.

What happens if I miss a mortgage payment?

Missing payments incurs penalties (e.g., 1–2% of the payment) and can lead to foreclosure if defaults persist. Contact your lender early to renegotiate terms.

Is the NHF loan better than a commercial bank mortgage?

NHF loans have lower rates (6%) but are capped at ₦15 million and limited to contributors. Commercial bank mortgages offer higher amounts but have rates of 15–22%.

Can I get a mortgage for a self-built house?

Yes, some lenders like FMBN offer construction loans, but you need approved building plans and land documents. Commercial banks may require a completed house.

What are the risks of an adjustable-rate mortgage?

ARMs have lower initial rates but can increase, raising payments. For example, a ₦20 million loan at 12% may jump to 18%, increasing payments from ₦250,000 to ₦350,000.

How do I verify a property’s legal status?

Hire a lawyer to check the C of O, survey plan, and deed of assignment at the land registry. This costs ₦50,000–₦200,000 but prevents disputes.

Conclusion

Securing a mortgage in Nigeria is a transformative step toward homeownership, but it demands thorough preparation, from assessing your finances to choosing the right lender and property. Despite challenges like high interest rates, strict requirements, and regional differences, success is achievable with the right approach, as shown in the case studies of Aisha, Chinedu, Fatima, Ibrahim, and Nkechi. By following the detailed steps outlined—understanding your finances, researching lenders, meeting eligibility criteria, preparing documents, applying, understanding terms, and closing the deal—you can navigate the process confidently.