The Right Loan Is Your Foundation.

The amount you need for a down payment depends on the loan program and your financial situation. Some buyers may qualify with as little as 3% down, while others may choose to put more down to lower their monthly payment or avoid certain costs. The goal isn’t to put down the most money possible, but to choose a down payment that keeps you financially comfortable after you close.

If you’re self-employed or have non-traditional income, you can still qualify for a mortgage. The key is showing consistent, documentable income, and the lender may look at your tax returns, business records, bank statements, or other income documentation depending on the loan program. Being self-employed doesn’t disqualify you, but it can require a little more planning to make sure your income is presented correctly.

A pre-approval is when a lender reviews your income, credit, debts, and finances to determine how much you may qualify to borrow. You need one because it helps you understand your real buying range, shows sellers you’re a serious buyer, and helps you shop with confidence instead of guessing what you can afford.

A pre-approval can often be completed within 24 to 48 hours once you provide the necessary documents. The timeline depends on how quickly we receive and verify your income, assets, credit, and other financial information.

A mortgage pre-approval typically involves a hard credit inquiry, which can cause a small, temporary drop in your score. But it’s usually minimal, and when you’re shopping for a mortgage, multiple credit checks within a certain period are generally treated as a single inquiry for scoring purposes.