Home Mortgages

The first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This helps you understand how much you can afford and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. To learn more about the steps to home buying check out out First Time Homebuyer page!

You’ll typically need money for a down payment (often 3%–20% of the home price), closing costs, and moving expenses. 

Most loan programs require a score of 620 or higher.  If your credit is below 620, we can help guide you on how to increase your credit score.

Reduced interest rates and Home Buyer Education

Common options include conventional, FHA, VA, and portfolio loans. Each has different requirements and benefits.

Conventional loans suit buyers with strong credit. Portfolio loans are customized by the lender for unique situations. FHA loans are great for low down payments and credit flexibility. VA loans offer zero down for eligible veterans.

Complete a mortgage application and submit your financial documents to our loan officer (income, assets, debts). They’ll review and issue a pre-approval letter showing your borrowing abilities.

Mortgage insurance protects the lender if you default. It is required for all FHA loans and conventional loans with less than 20% down.

 It depends on your income, debts, credit score, and down payment. Our loan officers will use these to calculate your maximum loan amount.

Costs include closing fees, property taxes, and homeowners’ insurance.  Additional costs of buying a home include maintenance and utilities.

Principal, interest, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and possibly mortgage insurance.

Yes. Real estate agents help you find homes, negotiate offers, and navigate paperwork—they are especially helpful for first-time buyers.

Check the condition of the roof, windows, plumbing, appliances, and layout. Think about how the space fits your lifestyle and needs.

The seller can accept, reject, or counter your offer. If accepted, your loan will start moving forward, appraisal and title will be ordered, and any inspections will be done.

It checks the home’s structure, systems, and safety. It helps you spot issues before finalizing the purchase.

An appraisal is a professional estimate of the property’s market value, typically completed by a licensed appraiser.  The appraisal is required for the mortgage loan.

You’ll sign final documents, pay closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home.

Typically 30–45 days from accepted offer, depending on loan approval and inspections.

Usually you can move in right after closing, as soon as all the paperwork is signed.

Change locks, set up utilities, and get to know your neighborhood.

Mortgage refinancing is the process of replacing your existing home loan with a new one, typically to get better terms or rates.

People refinance to lower their interest rate, reduce monthly payments, change loan terms, or access home equity.

Refinancing replaces your current mortgage, while a home equity loan is a separate, second loan using your home’s equity as collateral.

Refinancing costs typically include application fees, appraisal, title insurance, and closing costs—usually around 3% of the loan amount, which includes setting up an new escrow account.

It can save money if you secure a lower interest rate or shorten your loan term, but savings depend on your financial situation and how long you plan to stay in the home.

You’ll need income verification, credit history, home appraisal, and mortgage statements.

Yes, refinancing is often used to secure a lower interest rate and reduce monthly payments.

Yes, you can choose a shorter or longer loan term depending on your financial goals.

Fixed-rate loans have stable payments, while adjustable-rate loans can change over time.

Typically, you need at least 20% equity, but some programs allow refinancing with less.

Yes, but it may require a subordination with the second lender and could affect your options.

A cash-out refinance lets you take out a new loan for more than you owe and receive the difference in cash.

This type of refinance changes your interest rate or loan term without taking cash out.

Yes, each has its own streamlined refinance options with specific benefits and requirements.

Refinancing usually takes 30 to 45 days, depending on your situation.

You’ll sign final documents, pay closing costs, and your new loan will replace the old one.

Yes, refinancing starts a new loan term, which can be shorter or longer than your original loan.

Your first payment is usually due one month after closing.