What does a mortgage broker do vs. a bank?

A bank offers only its own loan products. A mortgage broker shops your loan across 175+ wholesale lenders to find the best rate, terms, and program for your situation.

How do I get pre-approved?

Apply through one of our lender portals or contact me directly. I will pull your credit, verify income and assets, and issue a full pre-approval letter, typically within 24 hours.

How much do I need for a down payment?

Conventional loans start at 3% down, FHA at 3.5%, and VA loans require zero down payment.

When does it make sense to refinance?

Generally when you can lower your rate by 0.5% or more, shorten your term, or access equity. The key is whether monthly savings outweigh closing costs within your planned timeframe.

A DSCR loan qualifies based on the rental income of an investment property rather than your personal income. No tax returns or pay stubs required.

What is PMI and how do I get rid of it?

PMI is required on conventional loans with less than 20% down. It drops automatically at 78% LTV, or you can request removal at 80% LTV.

Pre-Qualification Checklist

Answers to the questions I hear most from buyers, homeowners, and investors.

Download the Pre-Qualification Checklist

Get a printable PDF checklist of everything you need, organized by loan type. Enter your email and we'll send it right over.

No spam. Just the checklist. Andrew may follow up to help with your pre-qualification.

What You'll Need to Get Pre-Qualified

Gathering these documents before you apply speeds up the process significantly.

Required for All Loan Types

✓ Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
✓ Social Security number
✓ Last 2 years of W-2s
✓ Last 2 years of federal tax returns (all pages)
✓ Most recent 30 days of pay stubs
✓ Last 2 months of bank statements (all pages)
✓ Last 2 months of retirement/investment account statements
✓ Landlord contact info or 12 months of rent payment history
✓ Explanation letters for any credit inquiries or derogatory items

Conventional Loans

Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac

✓ Minimum 620 credit score
✓ 3–20% down payment (gift letter if using gift funds)
✓ Proof of reserves (2–6 months PITI in savings for investment properties)
✓ Condo: HOA questionnaire, budget, insurance, and reserve study

FHA Loans

Federal Housing Administration

✓ Minimum 580 credit score (500 with 10% down)
✓ 3.5% down payment minimum
✓ 100% of down payment can be a gift (gift letter + donor bank statements)
✓ Explanation for any collections or judgments over $2,000
✓ If applicable: divorce decree, bankruptcy discharge papers

VA Loans

Department of Veterans Affairs

✓ Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — we can pull this for you
✓ DD-214 (discharged veterans) or Statement of Service (active duty)
✓ VA disability rating letter (if applicable — may exempt funding fee)
✓ No minimum credit score (most lenders overlay at 580–620)
✓ 0% down payment

Self-Employed Borrowers

Additional Requirements

✓ 2 years of personal AND business tax returns
✓ Year-to-date Profit & Loss statement
✓ Business license or CPA letter confirming 2+ years in business
✓ Last 2 months business bank statements
✓ If applicable: K-1s, partnership/operating agreements
✓ Bank statement loans available: 12–24 months of personal or business statements (no tax returns)

DSCR / Investment Property Loans

Non-QM — No Personal Income Required

✓ No W-2s, pay stubs, or tax returns needed
✓ Current lease agreement or market rent analysis (Form 1007)
✓ Property insurance quote
✓ 20–25% down payment
✓ 660+ credit score (most programs)
✓ Entity docs if purchasing in an LLC (articles of organization, EIN letter, operating agreement)

Start Your Pre-Qualification

Not sure what you need? Call Andrew at (949) 665-0909 — he'll walk you through it.

Still Have Questions?

I'm always happy to chat — no pressure, no obligation.

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