Ah, the million-dollar question. It depends—on your credit score, loan type, market conditions, and whether Mercury is in retrograde. Rates change daily, sometimes hourly, so let’s talk specifics and I’ll give you the most accurate answer based on your actual situation.

Despite what your uncle at Thanksgiving told you, you don’t have to put down 20%—unless you just enjoy watching large sums of money leave your bank account. Depending on the loan type (more info on those here), you could put down as little as 0% (VA & USDA loans), 3% (conventional), or 3.5% (FHA loans). More down payment can mean better rates, but we’ll figure out what works best for you.

Closing costs—the financial surprise at the end of your homebuying journey. These cover lender fees, title fees, escrow, and other delightful expenses that make sure everyone involved gets paid (except you). Typically, they range from 2-5% of the home price, but don’t worry, I’ll help you understand what’s necessary and what’s just an industry money grab.

Because lenders like paperwork. A lot of it. Think of it as their love language. I know, it's ridiculous, but underwriters need proof of income, employment, assets, debts, and maybe even a blood sample (jk). The faster we get through this, the faster you get the keys to your new home.

Depends. If you get me what I need quickly, it can be 30 days or less. If you ghost me or send documents one by one over six weeks, well… let’s just say patience is a virtue.

Nope, but unless you’re a trained negotiator who loves paperwork and contract jargon, you might want one. A good agent can make your life way easier. If you need a real estate agent, I have a list of trusted partners.

Pre-qualification is like a first date—we look at your finances and make an educated guess about what you can afford. Pre-approval, on the other hand, is when we actually verify your info and get you a legit approval. It’s the difference between thinking you can afford a house and actually getting the green light.

Yes. Despite what social media tells you, student loans don’t automatically disqualify you. Lenders just want to see how they affect your debt-to-income ratio. So, yes, you can still have a mortgage and that English degree you’re not using.

Also yes! Is it easier with a great credit score? Absolutely. But there are loan options for lower scores (FHA, I’m looking at you). The key is knowing where you stand and what we can do to improve it.