1. What’s the first step to getting a mortgage?

The first step is getting pre-approved. It’s like window shopping with a price tag in mind. A pre-approval helps you (and your realtor) understand how much home you can afford and shows sellers you’re serious. Curious how to start? Reach out and let’s walk through it together.

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2. How much home can I afford?

That depends on your income, credit score, debts, and a few other puzzle pieces. We’ll help crunch the numbers with you—no math degree required. A quick chat with a loan officer can help give you a clearer picture tailored to your situation.

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3. What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

Great question!
• Pre-qualification is a casual estimate based on self-reported info.
• Pre-approval goes deeper with verified income, credit, and assets.

Think of pre-qualification as dipping your toes in, while pre-approval is getting ready to cannonball into the market.

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4. How much do I need for a down payment?

Not as much as you might think! While 20% is the old-school standard, many loans offer 3%, 5%, or even 0% down options. Don’t let a big number scare you off. Let’s explore your options and find what works for your budget.

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5. What types of loans do you offer?

We’ve got options—kind of like a mortgage menu:
• Conventional Loans
• FHA Loans
• VA Loans
• USDA Loans
• Jumbo Loans
• Bridge

• Portfolio

& MORE!!!

Your financial goals are unique, so let’s pick the one that serves you best. A quick call can help narrow it down.

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6. What credit score do I need to qualify?

It varies by loan type, but generally:
• Conventional Loans: 620+
• FHA Loans: 580+ (sometimes even lower)
• VA & USDA Loans: Often flexible with strong compensating factors

Not sure where your credit stands? Let’s review it together and build a game plan.

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7. Can I buy a house if I’m self-employed?

Absolutely! We work with a lot of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners. The paperwork’s a little different, but we know how to navigate it smoothly. Let’s talk about your income setup and what documents you’ll need.

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8. What’s included in my monthly mortgage payment?

Think of it as a bundle:
• Principal – the loan amount you borrowed
• Interest – the cost of borrowing
• Taxes – property taxes
• Insurance – homeowner's insurance (and maybe mortgage insurance too)

Your exact payment will vary, but we’re happy to run some numbers for you.

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9. What’s the deal with mortgage insurance?

Mortgage insurance protects the lender if you put less than 20% down. It’s not forever—many homeowners remove it once they build equity. We’ll explain how and when it can drop off in your specific case.

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10. How long does the mortgage process take?

Typically 30–45 days from application to closing, but it can be faster (or slower) depending on how quickly we get documents back. Good communication = faster keys in your hand. We’ll guide you every step of the way.

 

11. Can I use gift funds for my down payment?

Yes! In most cases, you can use gifted money from a family member or close friend. We just need a simple letter verifying the gift. We’ll show you exactly how to do it—no awkward family conversations required.

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12. What if I already own a home?

No problem! We help people with second homes, vacation homes, investment properties, and even bridge loans for buying before you sell. Every situation is different, so let’s chat about what makes the most sense for you.

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13. What if I have student loans or other debt?

You’re not alone. We consider your debt-to-income ratio, and there are plenty of loan options that work well even if you’re still paying off college. We’ll help you find a plan that fits—debt and all.

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14. Do you offer rate locks?

Yes! In a volatile market, locking your interest rate can offer peace of mind. We can even compare multiple investor rates as a correspondent lender to help you secure the best pricing.

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15. Is now a good time to buy a house?

Real estate is personal—what’s good for one buyer might not be great for another. If you’re financially ready, have stable income, and find the right home, that’s the right time. Let’s talk strategy and timing.

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16. What are the best mortgage options for first-time homebuyers?

Great news — first-time buyers have lots of options! Popular choices include:
• FHA loans (low down payment, flexible credit)
• Conventional 97 loans (only 3% down)
• USDA and VA loans (for eligible buyers — sometimes $0 down!)

The best loan really depends on your income, credit, and future plans. Let’s chat and find out what you qualify for — no pressure, just helpful info.

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17. How do I get approved for my first mortgage?

Here’s the short list:
1. Check your credit score
2. Save for your down payment and closing costs
3. Get pre-approved by a lender (that’s us 👋)
4. Find a home and submit an offer
5. Complete the mortgage process and close!

We’ll walk you through each step and make sure you’re not overwhelmed. It all starts with a quick call or online pre-approval.

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18. How much money do I need to buy my first home?

You might be surprised — you don’t need 20% down. Many first-time buyers buy with:
• 3%–5% down payments
• Gift funds from family
• Down payment assistance programs (we’ll help you find them!)

We’ll estimate everything upfront so there are no surprises. Reach out and let’s run the numbers together.

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19. Do you offer first-time homebuyer programs?

Yes! We work with several local, state, and nationwide first-time buyer programs that may offer:
• Down payment assistance
• Grants
• Reduced mortgage insurance
• Special interest rate incentives

Tell us a little about your situation and we’ll check which programs you might qualify for — it’s free and fast.

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20. Is getting a mortgage harder for first-time buyers?

Not at all — in fact, many loan programs are designed specifically to make it easier. You just need the right guide (that’s us!). We’ll help you gather documents, explain what lenders look for, and find the best fit.

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🎯 Still Have Questions?

We get it—mortgages can feel like a lot. But we’re here to simplify the process, answer your questions, and get you home faster. Reach out to one of our local loan officers today and let’s make a plan that works for you.