This is the question most people start with. They call around looking for the best rate, but the reality is that the rate question is the wrong place to start. 

Even if you’re refinancing for the 4th time in your life and you think you’re an old pro at getting a mortgage, I encourage you to call me so we can talk about what you’re looking for.  Everyone wants a great rate, and I can match you to that, but there is so much more to consider. No sense you missing out on other important factors in getting the most out of a loan. 

The first thing I want my clients to understand is that we have options, lots of options.  What usually happens when people start shopping for a mortgage is that they call various mortgage companies asking about their rates on a 30-year fixed.  There is so much more to know when considering a mortgage.  You’re not limited to a 15- or 30- year term, for starters.  When we dig into what kind of loan would work best, clients are happily surprised at the possibilities. 

For a lot of borrowers, the 30-year fixed mortgage works great, and they need me to find a competitive rate for them.  But if you need something outside of that box, I will use my variety of lender connections and resources to create it for you, if possible. 

The loan qualification process changes slightly from one program to another, but some requirements stand firm.  Underwriters (the job title of people who make lending decisions) look at how well you manage your debt via your payment history (in the form of your credit score), how much revolving debt you have, your income, your debt-to-income ratio, and your work history.  When I work with clients, I explain how these elements affect their loan’s rate or anything else pertinent to the loan. 

This is a great question.  First point of order: DO NOT rely on the online calculators! 

There are several factors that go into figuring out what size mortgage is going to be manageable for you, and those calculators do not take them all into account.  Especially for first-time home buyers, it is imperative that they understand how a mortgage changes their finances. 

When working with my clients, we talk about all of this, and they often tell me they never would have thought of all the moving parts that a mortgage introduces into their lives.  Securing a mortgage is an investment and with solid communications, my clients have the confidence that they received the right mortgage for their lifestyle and financial position.

When it comes to mortgages, your options are many. 

Each type of loan is designed for a specific type of applicant.  When new clients call, I discuss these loan types with them and explain where they fit in the universe of home lending.  

• Conventional loans
• Jumbo loan amounts 
• FHA and VA (for veterans) 
• Reverse mortgages for those over 62
• Loans for those who have appropriate income but who do not fit guidelines for a traditional mortgage — these are called Non-QM (non-qualifying-mortgages)    

A note on the Non-QM loans:  If you don’t qualify for traditional financing, the Non-QM loan programs provide you the opportunity. 

This may be a serious concern for anyone who is looking to purchase or refinance a home but does not have pristine credit. It is possible to take action to improve your credit score before you apply. In fact, you may be able to improve your score quickly. This is one of the reasons people work with me. I’m not in credit repair, but I can give you some hints to improve your credit score, and I have lenders with loan programs for those whose credit isn’t absolutely perfect. Call me, and I’ll see what works best for you.

Believe me, plenty of self-employed people get mortgages. Depending on where you are in your self-employment journey and how steady your income is, we might explore non-traditional mortgage options. Don’t worry if you don’t staple a W2 to your tax returns! For most self-employed with established history, a mortgage is attainable.

For some, a bank works just fine. However, the savvy loan seekers may want to see what’s out there. They wonder, can I do better? Can I save more money? Can the process be quicker?

That’s where I come in! As a mortgage broker, I work with a variety of lenders  who want to make you the best loan for your home or investment property. You really can get a mortgage that’s tailored to you.  As a broker with more than 20 years of experience and no loans declined EVER, I have lender contacts with all types of loan products. 

Short answer:  Yes, I can find financing for homes valued in the multi-millions.  If you think you need a jumbo mortgage, call me. I’ll see what your options are for a loan.

We have lenders who will write loans for condotels, special use, business use, and many other property types too numerous to list here.