• Pre-Approval: Understand your borrowing capacity.

• Application: Complete a mortgage application with a lender.

• Documentation: Provide necessary documents like income proof and ID.

• Credit Check: Conducted by the lender.

• Appraisal and Inspection: Required for the property.

Depends on the loan: 0% (VA and USDA), 3.5% (FHA), 5-20% (Conventional).

Varies based on credit score, loan type, term, and market conditions. Rates are subject to change.

Higher scores typically lead to better rates and terms. Lower scores may face higher rates.

Programs like HomeZero and several State programs offer down payment assistance and favorable terms for first-time buyers.

Identification, Social Security number, proof of income, bank statements, employment verification, credit information, property details.

Usually 15 to 25 days, but can vary.

• Benefits: Lower interest rates, reduced monthly payments, shorter loan terms, access to home equity.

• Process: Similar to a standard mortgage application. Evaluate if refinancing costs are offset by the benefits.

• Conventional Loans: Not federally insured.

• FHA Loans: Lower credit requirements, insured by the FHA.

• VA Loans: For veterans, often no down payment.

• USDA Loans: For rural areas, sometimes no down payment.

• Adjustable-Rate and Fixed-Rate Mortgages.

• Non-QM Loans

• Credit Score: Typically 620 or higher for conventional loans, and 580 for FHA loans

• Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Preferably below 43%.

• Employment History: Stable for the last two years.

• Proof of Income: W-2s, pay stubs, or tax returns.

• Down Payment: Varies by loan type.

• Property Appraisal: To ensure the property value supports the loan amount.