Answers for homebuyers and homeowners

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage?

Minimum credit score requirements vary by loan type. Here's what each program actually requires, and how your score affects your rate.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply for a Mortgage?

Having these ready before you apply can meaningfully speed up your pre-approval.

Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: Which Is Right for You?

The right choice depends on how long you plan to stay in the home and how much rate certainty you want.

How Down Payment Assistance Programs Actually Work

Down Payment Assistance isn't one single thing — here's how these programs are typically structured and who qualifies.

How Long Does It Take to Close on a Mortgage?

A realistic timeline from pre-approval to keys in hand, and what can speed it up or slow it down.

How Much Down Payment Do You Actually Need?

The 20% rule is mostly a myth. Here's what down payments actually look like across different loan programs.

How Much House Can You Actually Afford?

Lenders look at more than your income. Here's what actually determines how much home you qualify for.

Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval: What's the Difference?

These terms get used interchangeably, but they're not the same thing. Here's what each one actually means for your home search.

Can You Buy a Home If You're Self-Employed?

Self-employed borrowers face a documentation problem, not an eligibility problem. Here's how to work around it.

What Are Closing Costs and How Much Should You Budget?

Closing costs are more than just a line item — here's what's typically included and how buyers cover them.