Homebuyers
WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING WITH ME?
Step One
It all starts with a conversation. We get to know you and talk through your goals to help you find the best lending option for your unique circumstances
Step Two
We gather information upfront — use our secure portal (even from your phone) to upload your documents. This gives us a major head start and allows us to fly through the process.
Step Three
Let’s seal the deal! We’ll go through the necessary steps to process your loan so you can sit back, relax and enjoy a quick closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started
What's the first step in getting a home loan?
The best first step is getting pre-approved. This gives you a clear picture of how much you can borrow, strengthens your offer with sellers, and helps us identify the loan program that's the best fit for your situation. It only takes a short conversation to get started.
How long does the mortgage process take?
From application to closing, most loans take 30–45 days. Pre-approval can often be completed within 24–48 hours. Having your documents ready upfront is one of the biggest factors in keeping things moving quickly.
What documents will I need to apply?
You'll typically need recent pay stubs, W-2s from the past two years, federal tax returns, bank statements, and a government-issued ID. Self-employed borrowers may need additional documentation. I'll walk you through exactly what's needed for your specific situation.
Loan types & programs
What types of loans do you offer?
I work with a wide range of loan programs including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and jumbo loans. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a veteran, buying in a rural area, or purchasing a higher-priced home, there's likely a program designed for your needs.
Do I have to put 20% down?
No — 20% down is a common myth. Many programs allow much lower down payments: FHA loans start at 3.5%, conventional loans can go as low as 3%, and VA and USDA loans may require no down payment at all. We'll find the option that works best for your financial picture.
What is PMI and can I avoid it?
PMI (private mortgage insurance) is typically required when you put less than 20% down on a conventional loan. It protects the lender — not you — and adds to your monthly payment. There are strategies to avoid or minimize it, including certain loan structures and VA loans, which never require PMI.
Rates & costs
How are mortgage rates determined?
Rates are influenced by market conditions, your credit score, loan type, loan term, down payment, and the property itself. I'll help you understand what's driving your rate and whether buying points to lower it makes sense for your goals.
What are closing costs and how much should I expect?
Closing costs typically range from 2–5% of the loan amount and cover things like appraisal fees, title services, lender fees, and prepaid items like insurance and property taxes. You'll receive a Loan Estimate early in the process so there are no surprises at the closing table.
Credit & qualifying
What credit score do I need to qualify?
It depends on the loan type. FHA loans can go down to a 580 score (sometimes lower with a larger down payment), while conventional loans typically require 620 or higher. A higher score generally means better rates. If your score isn't where you'd like it, I can help you make a plan to improve it.
Will getting pre-approved hurt my credit score?
A pre-approval does involve a hard credit inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points. However, multiple mortgage inquiries within a short window (typically 14–45 days) are usually treated as a single inquiry by credit bureaus, so shopping around won't compound the impact.
Can I still get a mortgage if I'm self-employed?
Yes, absolutely. Self-employed borrowers qualify every day — the process just involves a bit more documentation, typically two years of tax returns and business financials. I have experience working with entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners to find the right path to approval.