FAQs

  • Start by getting pre-approved. This helps you understand what you can afford and shows sellers you’re serious.

  • Pre-qualification is an estimate based on self-reported info. Pre-approval involves verifying your financials and carries more weight when making an offer.

  • Commonly requested documents include:
    – Recent pay stubs
    – Bank statements
    – Tax returns (last 2 years)
    – ID and Social Security number
    – Employment verification

  • It typically takes 30 days from application to closing, but that can vary depending on your situation and market conditions.

Getting Started

  • We offer a range:
    – Conventional loans
    – FHA loans
    – VA loans
    – USDA loans
    – Jumbo loans

    – Loans for self-employed borrowers

    – And many others, chances are, we have just the right loan program to fit your needs

    We'll learn more about your situation and show you what your options are.

  • Fixed-rate mortgages lock in the same rate for the life of the loan. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) start lower and fluctuate over time.

  • Yes. Many homeowners refinance to lower their interest rate or adjust their loan terms.

  • Private Mortgage Insurance is usually required if your down payment is less than 20% on a conventional loan. It protects the lender, not you, in case of default. You can request the PMI be removed once you have reached an 80% loan-to-value. For FHA and USDA loans, mortgage insurance will remain on your loan until it is refinanced or paid off.

Loan Options

  • You can start house hunting! Once your offer is accepted, we move into full application, appraisal, underwriting, and finally—closing.

  • Underwriting is when we review your full financial picture to make sure you meet loan requirements. This includes verifying income, assets, debts, and credit.

  • Common delays include issues found in the appraisal that must be remedied before the property is deemed in lendable condition, or large recent changes to your credit or employment.

  • – Don’t open new credit cards
    – Don’t make large purchases
    – Don’t change jobs without checking with your loan officer

The Process

  • Minimums vary by loan type, but most require a score in the low 600 range. That said, we look at the full picture—credit is only one piece.

  • Absolutely! Documentation is different for self-employed borrowers. Standard loan programs generally require 2 years of filed tax returns to qualify. Don’t worry if your business is newer, there are other options! Schedule a call with us so we can discuss your particular situation and find a program for you.

  • It is - we assess your overall debt-to-income ratio to determine what’s manageable—not just the loan itself.

  • There are low and no-down-payment options available (like FHA, VA, and USDA loans), and we’ll help you explore all of them. We can also look into down payment assistance options such as the one administered by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

  • No worries—your pre-approval is still valid for a set period, and we’ll be ready to move forward when you are.

Common Concerns