Mortgage & Financing Information
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving up to your dream home, or investing in property, getting pre-approved and understanding your loan choices can make all the difference. Our goal is to connect you with trusted mortgage professionals, explain your options in clear terms, and help you take the next step with confidence.
Why Financing Matters
Getting your finances in order early helps you:
- Know exactly what you can afford
- Make stronger, more competitive offers
- Avoid delays once you’ve found the right home
- Stay within your budget and plan for long-term success
Getting Pre-Approved
Before you begin house hunting, we highly recommend getting pre-approved by a trusted lender. This process reviews your income, credit score, and financial history to determine how much a bank or lender is willing to lend you.
Benefits of Pre-Approval:
- Shows sellers you’re a serious buyer
- Helps narrow your home search to what fits your budget
- Speeds up the closing process
Need a recommendation? We partner with experienced, reliable lenders who are happy to walk you through your options.
Common Loan Types
There’s no one-size-fits-all mortgage—here’s a quick overview of some popular options:
- Conventional Loans - Great for buyers with strong credit and stable income. These loans typically require a 5–20% down payment and offer flexible term lengths.
- FHA Loans - Ideal for first-time buyers, FHA loans offer lower down payments (as low as 3.5%) and more lenient credit requirements.
- VA Loans - Available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some military spouses. VA loans offer zero down payment and favorable terms with no private mortgage insurance (PMI).
- CalVet Home Loans – Exclusive to California veterans, CalVet loans offer competitive rates, low or no down payment options, and unique benefits such as built-in fire and hazard insurance.
- Jumbo Loans - Designed for high-value homes that exceed conforming loan limits. Perfect for luxury buyers or those purchasing in competitive markets.
- Fixed-Rate Mortgages (FRMs) – Lock in the same rate for the entire loan term, making monthly payments predictable. A strong choice for buyers planning to stay in their home long-term.
- Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) - ARMs offer lower initial interest rates that adjust after a set period. Best for buyers who don’t plan to stay in the same home long-term.
Down Payment & Closing Costs
Depending on your loan type and financial situation, your down payment could range from 0% to 20% or more. In addition, you'll want to budget for:
- Closing costs (typically 2–5% of the purchase price)
- Home inspections and appraisals
- Escrow and title fees
- Prepaid taxes and insurance
