FAQs

To begin your pre‑approval, you'll typically need a valid photo ID, recent pay stubs, your two most recent tax returns, two months of bank statements, and information on any current debts. Don't worry if you don't have everything ready — we'll walk you through exactly what's needed based on your situation.

There's no cost to get pre‑approved or to talk with our team about your options. Loan-related fees, such as appraisal and closing costs, vary based on the loan program and property, and we'll provide a clear breakdown of all costs before you commit to anything.

A pre‑approval does require a credit check, which can cause a small, temporary dip in your score. However, multiple mortgage inquiries within a short window (typically 14-45 days) are usually counted as a single inquiry by credit bureaus, so shopping for the right lender won't significantly impact your credit.

From pre‑approval to closing, most loans take 30 to 45 days, depending on the loan program, how quickly documents are submitted, and the complexity of your financial situation. We'll keep you updated at every stage so you always know where things stand.

Pre‑qualification is a quick estimate based on information you provide, with no verification involved. Pre‑approval is a more thorough process where we verify your income, assets, and credit, giving you a much stronger position when making an offer on a home.

No — 20% down is not required for most loan programs. Conventional loans can go as low as 3-5% down, FHA loans as low as 3.5%, and VA and USDA loans may require no down payment at all for eligible buyers. We'll help you find a program that fits your savings and goals.

It depends on the loan program. FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580, while conventional loans typically look for 620 or higher. We'll review your credit profile and let you know which programs you're likely to qualify for.

Yes. Self-employed borrowers can absolutely qualify for a mortgage, though the documentation requirements are typically a bit different — usually two years of tax returns and profit and loss statements. We have experience working with self-employed buyers and can guide you through exactly what's needed.

Yes, and we genuinely enjoy it. We offer guidance every step of the way, and there are several first-time homebuyer programs available that may help with down payment and closing costs. We'll walk you through your options in plain language with zero pressure.