Down payments vary based on your loan program. Many buyers are surprised to learn you don’t always need 20%. Here are the common options:

3% to 5% for most conventional loans
3.5% for FHA loans
0% for VA and USDA loans (if you qualify)

Your down payment depends on your loan type, credit, and long-term goals. I can help you explore which option fits your situation best.

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate of what you might be able to afford. You provide basic financial info, and the lender gives you a general idea of your price range.

Pre-approval is the real step. The lender reviews your income, credit, and documents to give you an actual approval amount. This is what sellers look for when considering your offer and what lets us shop with confidence.

Your credit score helps lenders understand how reliably you manage debt. A higher score usually means you’ll qualify for a lower interest rate, which can save you money over the life of your loan.

A lower score doesn’t stop you from buying, it just means your rate may be a little higher, and we may explore loan programs that fit your situation. The important thing is knowing where you stand so you can plan confidently.

Closing costs are the fees and expenses needed to finalize your home purchase. They cover things like the lender’s charges, title company fees, appraisal, insurance, and taxes.

Most buyers can expect closing costs to be about 2% to 5% of the purchase price, depending on their loan type and the property. I’ll walk you through a detailed estimate early on so there are no surprises.

Once you’re under contract, most homes close in 30 to 45 days. The full timeline can be shorter or longer depending on your lender, inspections, and how quickly we find the right home. I’ll keep you updated at every step so you always know what’s happening next.

Yes, you can. Self-employed buyers and those with irregular income can absolutely qualify for a mortgage. You’ll just need to show a bit more documentation, like tax returns, bank statements, and proof of consistent deposits.

Lenders are mainly looking for stable income over time, even if it doesn’t come in the same amount each month. I can connect you with lenders who specialize in working with self-employed buyers and non-traditional income situations.

Most monthly mortgage payments include four main parts, often called PITI:

• Principal — the amount that pays down your loan balance
• Interest — the cost of borrowing the money
• Taxes — property taxes collected by your lender and paid on your behalf
• Insurance — homeowner's insurance (and sometimes mortgage insurance, depending on your loan)

Your lender will provide a full breakdown, so you know exactly what you're paying each month.

A 2-1 buydown is a temporary way to lower your interest rate for the first two years of your mortgage.

Here’s how it works:

Year 1: Your rate is 2% lower than your full rate
Year 2: Your rate is 1% lower
Year 3 and beyond: Your rate returns to the full rate for the rest of the loan

The difference between those first two years is paid upfront by the seller, builder, or, sometimes, the lender as an incentive. It makes your initial monthly payments more affordable while you settle into your new home.

A 2-1 buydown is usually paid by the seller, builder, or lender as an incentive to help make the home more affordable for the buyer.

In most cases, the seller offers it as a concession, especially if they want to make their home stand out in the market. Sometimes lenders or builders also cover the cost as part of special promotions.

As the buyer, you typically do not pay for the buydown.