🩺Avoid the DIY Diagnosis
Your Loan Doctor is In
Most people only buy 2–3 homes in their entire lifetime. I’ve been doing this for over two decades and help families navigate the mortgage process 2–3 times every month. That means I see the ins and outs of this market constantly—and can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Here’s the truth: advice from well-meaning friends or family isn’t a substitute for professional guidance. If you break your leg, Uncle Frank may be awesome—but unless he’s also a world-class orthopedic surgeon, you don’t want him setting the bone. The same goes for mortgages. Why let Uncle Frank diagnose your homeowner needs when you can work with an expert who knows the right treatment plan?
💳 Prequalification: Your First Check-Up
Prequalification is like taking your vitals—it tells us where you stand financially before you get too far into the process. It gives you a realistic budget, helps you understand your loan options, and shows sellers you’re serious.
👉 If buying a home is on your horizon in the next 12–18 months, reach out now so we can start preparing. And if you know you have credit challenges, don’t wait—connecting sooner gives us time to clean things up and get you ready to qualify with confidence.
📚 Invest in Homeownership Education
Knowledge is preventative medicine. A solid understanding of mortgage terms, loan types, budgeting, and down payment assistance can save you stress (and money) later. Some first-time buyer courses even unlock program benefits.
👉 Want to know which classes are worth your time? DM me and I’ll point you in the right direction.
🧑🤝🧑 Build Your Dream Team
Just like your health requires the right specialists, your home purchase requires a skilled team. You’ll want:
A mortgage broker (that’s me 🐼) to guide your financing strategy.
A real estate agent who knows your market and fights for your best deal.
👉 Curious how to pick the right agent—or what to ask before committing? DM me and I’ll share my go-to list.
📋 Do’s & Don’ts: The Prescription for Success
Following the right regimen matters. Here are some highlights from my Do’s & Don’ts flyer:
Do:
Stay current on all accounts
Keep documentation on deposits
Continue using credit as normal
Provide updated paystubs/bank statements
Don’t:
Apply for new credit
Pay off collections without guidance
Close credit card accounts
Make large unexplained deposits
👉 Want the full checklist? Check out the flyer below and also see more tips in our 🔗previous blog post for a deeper dive.
💰 Down Payment Assistance & First-Time Buyer Programs
Whether it’s your first home or your next, programs exist to make buying easier. From FHA and VA loans to state-specific down payment assistance, there’s help out there. The catch? Each program has its own benefits and limitations, and choosing the wrong fit can cost you.
🔗We recently broke these down in detail in a previous blog post—give it a read, then DM me so we can see what you qualify for.
💵 Cash Needed: What It Really Takes
Part of your treatment plan is knowing what it will cost. A down payment isn’t the only expense—you’ll also need funds for closing costs like title fees, appraisal, and escrow setup.
Here’s a simple formula my clients use:
3–3.5% of the purchase price for your down payment
+ $10,000–$15,000 for closing costs
✅ Example: On a $400,000 purchase with 3.5% down, you’ll need about $14,000 for your down payment, plus $10,000–$15,000 for closing costs. That means your total out-of-pocket cash will be $25,000–$30,000.
Some of this can be offset by down payment assistance programs or seller concessions (where the seller helps cover part of your closing costs). But the right mix depends on your unique diagnosis.
🔗 For the full breakdown on assets and savings, check out our Mortgage Assets 101 blog post.
📊 Credit: Know Your Numbers
Your credit score is like your blood pressure—it plays a huge role in your mortgage “health.” You don’t need perfect credit to buy a home, but you do need the right plan.
Do you need a little cleanup to boost your score?
Do you need to build credit so you can qualify?
I’ll help you map out a strategy so you’re improving your credit the right way—without draining the cash you’ll need at closing.
🔗For more details, check out our previous blog post on credit scores—it explains what lenders look for and how to strengthen your file.
🚑 Ready for Your Loan Check-Up?
Buying a home isn’t just about picking a house—it’s about diagnosing your needs, prescribing the right financing, and guiding you safely to closing. Don’t rely on Uncle Frank’s advice when you can work with someone who’s been treating mortgage cases for 20+ years. DM me today and let’s get your check-up started!
