We know mortgages come with a lot of questions and big decisions. Below are the questions we hear most. Contact us today for more detailed information.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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A bank can only offer you its own loan products. As an independent broker, we work with multiple lenders to find the loan that fits your unique situation. We do the rate shopping and work with wholesale lenders to offer you the best possible deal. We also act as a liaison between you and the underwriting team making the entire mortgage process smoother and easier.
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Pre-qualification is a quick, informal estimate based on what you tell us. Pre-approval means we've verified your income, credit, and finances. You will want a pre-approval from a reputable mortgage company to go with your offer to purchase. Some real estate agents will want to review your pre-approval before they will show you any homes.
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Ideally before you start touring homes or working with a real estate agent. Getting pre-approved early tells you and your agent your true budget. It’s the first step because it clues us in if there's anything on your credit or paperwork that needs attention. Our thorough pre-approval process avoids unwanted delays when it comes time to close on your new home.
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There are some loan programs that offer as little as 0% down. However, the most realistic number to aim for is 5% down. Our experienced Mortgage Advisors can help tailor a loan with the right down payment to match your short-term and long-term goals.
Getting Started
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Your interest rate is the percentage you pay to borrow the money, it's what determines your monthly principal and interest payment. Your APR (Annual Percentage Rate) includes that rate plus certain fees and costs, giving you a more complete picture of what the loan costs over time. When you're comparing offers side by side, APR is usually the more accurate number to look at.
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It's one piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture. Lenders also weigh your income, debt, employment history, and savings. A higher score can open the door to more programs and better rates, but a lower score doesn't mean you're out of options — we work with buyers across a wide credit range and will walk you through what's realistically available to you.
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An accurate pre-approval does require a credit pull. Not only will this give us your credit score, but it also gives us an understanding of your credit history. This is important for us as we paint a picture of how likely you are to repay your home loan. That’s the golden ticket to getting your loan approved.
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Your interest rate is unique to you and your situation. It’s based on your debt-to-income, loan-to-value, loan size, credit score, and many other factors. Secondly, we have access to many lenders with many interest rates and incentive programs. Thirdly, you always have the option to buy down an interest rate by paying more money at the closing table. We feel it’s more important to give you an honest quote rather than a “best case” low rate with possible hidden costs.
Rates & Credit
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Generally: recent pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements, and ID. Self-employed buyers or those with more complex income may need a bit more. We'll give you a clear, personalized checklist so there's no guessing.
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It varies by loan type and your situation. Our team works quickly, and we have a solid reputation for quick turnaround times and avoiding delays. We'll also keep you posted at every step so you're never left wondering what's next.
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Yes. It just requires a different set of documents than a traditional W-2 employee. We work with self-employed buyers all the time and know exactly what lenders and underwriters are looking for.
The Loan Process
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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We work for you, not the bank. We're not a call center in another state or time zone. Our reputation depends on treating every client the way we'd want our own family treated. We rely on repeat clients, referrals, and positive reviews to grow our business rather than billions of dollars in marketing. In other words, we focus on exceptional customer service.
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Yes. Unlike a lot of larger lenders where you're handed off between departments, your team stays with you from your first conversation through closing and beyond. Your team will answer your phone calls, texts, and emails and give you guidance every step of the way. No chatbots, automated phone systems, virtual assistants, or call centers. Just real people helping real people.
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In most cases, we're compensated by the lender you choose, not by adding extra fees on top for you. In all cases, we are required to review all fees in writing. This includes fees imposed by other parties as well (title, real estate, lender, taxes, etc.). We're happy to walk through exactly how that works for your specific loan.