Helping you make sense of home loans, one question at a time. Browse the most common mortgage questions below.
Navigating home loans doesn’t have to be confusing. Click any question to expand the answer.
I offer a wide range of loan options including Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, Non-QM, Foreign National, Reverse Mortgages, and more. Together, we’ll find the right fit for your needs.
Getting pre-approved is easy! You can apply online through my Arive portal, and I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. A pre-approval gives you a clear picture of your budget and strengthens your offer when buying a home.
It depends on the loan type. Some programs allow as little as 3% down, and others, like VA or USDA loans, offer 0% down options. We’ll look at what works best for your budget and goals.
On average, most loans close within 21 to 30 days. Some may be quicker, depending on how fast we gather the needed documents and complete the steps.
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate of how much you might be able to borrow. Pre-approval is more in-depth and includes reviewing your credit, income, and assets — giving sellers more confidence in your offer.
Absolutely. Refinancing can reduce your interest rate, lower your monthly payment, remove PMI, or help you tap into your home’s equity. Let’s chat about what makes sense for you.
Yes! I love helping first-time buyers understand the process, explore loan options, and feel confident every step of the way.
That depends on your financial goals, credit profile, and how long you plan to stay in the home. I’ll guide you through your options so you can make the most informed decision.
Typically, you’ll need income verification (like pay stubs or tax returns), bank statements, and a photo ID. I’ll give you a personalized checklist to make it easy.
Absolutely. There are special loan programs, like Non-QM loans, designed for self-employed borrowers or those with unique income situations.
It depends on your current rate and financial goals. Refinancing can help lower your monthly payment, eliminate PMI, or let you tap into home equity. Let’s run the numbers together.
Most loans close within 30 days, but it can vary depending on the type of loan and how quickly we can gather all required documents.
I’m always happy to chat. Reach out directly or start your free application — no obligation required.
Garry McDonald | NMLS #1922072 | DRE# 01781703