Short answer: Not always 20%. Depending on the loan, you might be looking at as little as 3–5% down — and for VA loans, always zero down. The right loan choice can put more money in your pocket for moving costs, upgrades, or that first trip to Home Depot.

Short answer: Maybe, maybe not. Rates shift, but so do home prices. If the right house pops up and the numbers work, you can always refinance later. Waiting could mean paying more for the same house down the road.

Short answer: Lenders look at your income, debts, credit, and the type of loan you’re using. I can run the numbers and give you a clear range so you’re not wasting weekends looking at places outside your budget.

Short answer: Get pre-approved. It’s like your house-hunting permission slip — sellers take you seriously, and you’ll know exactly what you can spend before you fall in love with a place.

Short answer: Nope. Perfect credit gets you more options, but plenty of buyers get approved with less-than-ideal scores. I can also help you spot a few quick wins to bump your score before we lock in your loan.

Short answer: Most loans close in about 25-30 days, but as a broker, I can often get it done in 15 or less. In a competitive market, that speed can be a game-changer — sellers are far more likely to accept your offer simply because we can close faster than the rest.