Choosing
the right home lending partner

A mortgage is a loan you use to buy a home. You agree to pay it back with interest over time, usually in 15 or 30 years.

Lenders look at your credit score, job history, income, and how much debt you have. You’ll usually also need a down payment.

It depends on your income, debts, and credit. Lenders use something called a debt-to-income ratio to decide how much you can afford.

Common options include:

• Fixed-rate mortgages (your rate never changes)

• Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) (rate can change over time)

• FHA loans (lower down payment, government-backed)

• VA loans (for veterans and active military, often no down payment)

• Jumbo Mortgage (for more expensive homes)

These are fees you pay when you close on your home, like appraisal, title, and lender fees. They usually cost around 3%–5% of the home’s price.

Shop around with different lenders, keep your credit strong, make a bigger down payment if possible, or choose a shorter loan term. A mortgage broker can also help you compare options.

Yes, you can refinance. Refinancing lets you replace your current mortgage with a new one, often to lower your payment, shorten your loan term, or use your home’s equity. Before refinancing, weigh the costs and benefits and talk to a mortgage professional to see if it makes sense for you.