A mortgage broker is a licensed professional who connects borrowers with lenders. Unlike a bank loan officer who works for one institution, a mortgage broker works with multiple lenders to find the best loan options, interest rates, and terms based on your unique financial situation.

We handle the paperwork, compare options on your behalf, and often have access to wholesale rates that retail banks can’t offer. Our goal is to save you time, stress, and money while making the mortgage process as smooth and personalized as possible.

Mortgage Broker -

- Works with multiple lenders.

-Can often find lower or more competitive rates.

-Offers a wide range (FHA, VA, conventional, etc.).

-More flexible can find specific lenders for unique scenarios.

-Works for the borrower.

Bank / Direct Lender -

-Offers only their own products.

-Limited to their own rate sheets.

-Limited to in-house programs

-Strict underwriting and credit requirements

-Works for the bank/lender

More Choices, Better Rates: Brokers can compare dozens of lenders to find the most competitive interest rate and loan terms for your needs.

Personalized Service: Brokers tailor loan options to your financial situation, whether you're a first-time buyer, self-employed, refinancing, or looking into reverse mortgages.

Time & Hassle Saver: Instead of applying to multiple banks yourself, your broker handles the shopping, paperwork, and communication.

Flexible Qualification Options: If you’ve been turned down by a bank, a broker may still get you approved by finding lenders with alternative guidelines.

One Point of Contact: You get expert guidance from start to finish, without being passed around between departments.

You’ll typically need steady income, a manageable debt-to-income ratio, a fair credit score (usually 620+), and some savings for the down payment and closing costs. I can help you identify loan programs that match your financial situation.

Down payments can range from 0% to 5% or more, depending on the loan program. FHA loans require as little as 3.5%, while some conventional programs offer 3% down. VA and USDA loans offer 0% down for those who qualify.

Most programs require a minimum credit score of 620, but some lenders may work with lower scores depending on other factors. The better your score, the more favorable your loan terms.

Yes! VA loans (for eligible veterans) and USDA loans (in qualifying rural areas) both offer zero-down options. There are also local down payment assistance programs available in your state.

Some of the top options include FHA loans, HomeReady and Home Possible programs, VA loans, and CalHFA (California Housing Finance Agency) for CA buyers, programs that offer down payment and closing cost assistance.

Every situation is unique, but here’s a general list of documents most borrowers need to prepare. If additional paperwork is requested, providing it quickly can help avoid delays.

Property Information-

Signed purchase contract (with all addendums).

-Proof of your earnest money deposit.

-Contact details for realtors, builder, insurance agent, and any other persons involved in the transaction (for purchases).

Income Documentation

-Recent 30 days of pay stubs (with year-to-date info).

-W-2 forms from the last 2 years.

-Employer contact information for the past 2 years.

-Letter explaining any employment gaps in the past 24 months.

If Self-Employed or Have Non-Traditional Income

-Full personal tax returns (past 2 years, all schedules).

-Year-to-date Profit and Loss (P&L) statement.

-K-1s from partnerships or S-corps (last 2 years).

-Corporate tax returns (1120/1065) if you own 25% or more.

-Extension copies, if tax returns haven’t been filed yet.

If You Receive Fixed Income (Social Security, Disability, VA)

-Benefit award letters from the appropriate agency

Source of Funds / Down Payment

-Sale of current home: signed contract and settlement statement.

-Bank statements (checking, savings, money market.

- last 2–3 months).-Investment statements (stocks, bonds, retirement).

-Gift funds: signed Gift Letter and evidence of transfer-Debts and Financial Obligations

-Court orders or agreements for alimony/child support (if applicable)

If your application or credit report indicates other factors, additional documents may be required.

You'll typically need a larger down payment (usually 10% or more), good credit, and the ability to cover both your primary and second home expenses.

Investment properties usually require higher down payments (15%-25%), have stricter lending criteria, and carry slightly higher interest rates. Rental income may help you qualify.

Yes, lenders often allow projected rental income to help with qualification. You'll typically need a lease agreement or appraisal with rental comps.

Conventional loans are most common. While second homes often qualify for better terms than investment properties, they still require solid credit and reserves.

Most lenders require at least 15% to 25% down, depending on the property type, occupancy, and your credit profile.

If your current rate is higher than what’s available today, refinancing could lower your monthly payment and total interest paid over time.

This type of refinance replaces your existing loan with a new one that has better terms, usually a lower interest rate or shorter term, without pulling out equity.

A cash-out refinance allows you to borrow against your home equity by replacing your existing mortgage with a larger one and taking the difference in cash.

Yes. Many homeowners use cash-out refinances to consolidate high-interest debt into one lower monthly payment.

Absolutely, especially if the upgrades increase your home's value. It can also improve your quality of life and may be tax-deductible.

Yes, some homeowners use cash-out refinances to create a financial cushion for unexpected expenses or economic uncertainty.

A reverse mortgage allows homeowners 62 and older to convert home equity into tax-free cash without selling their home. You must live in the home as your primary residence.

It eliminates your monthly mortgage payment and provides access to cash for expenses like medical care, bills, or simply maintaining your lifestyle.

No monthly mortgage payments are required. You must continue to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintain the home.

Just like a forward/regular mortgage, the loan is repaid from the sale of the home. Any remaining equity goes to your heirs. Or if your heirs decide to keep the house, they can refinance back to a forward mortgage and keep the house.

Conventional loans are not government-backed and usually require higher credit scores. FHA loans are backed by the government and are ideal for lower credit scores and smaller down payments.

VA loans are for eligible active-duty service members, veterans, and some surviving spouses. They offer no down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates.

Loan limits vary by county. In high-cost areas of your state, the limits are higher. I can help you determine your eligibility based on location and income.

Often, yes. With strong credit and a larger down payment, a conventional loan may offer lower costs over time.

Yes, refinancing to a conventional loan can eliminate FHA mortgage insurance if you have enough equity and qualify based on credit and income.

That depends on your debt-to-income ratio, credit score, and down payment. Let’s review your finances to determine your true buying power.

You’ll typically need recent pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, bank statements, ID, and credit information. Self-employed borrowers may need profit and loss statements.

Most loans close within 20 to 30 days, but timelines can vary depending on the loan type and how quickly documents are submitted.

Yes! I offer alternative loan options that use bank statements, or 1099s, to help self-employed borrowers qualify.