Mortgage answers, in plain English.

A bank can only offer you its own loan products. As a mortgage broker, I work with many different lenders and shop your loan across all of them to find the fit that's right for your situation. That means more options, and someone on your side guiding the whole process. You get the benefit of comparison shopping without having to fill out application after application yourself.

Less than most people think. While 20% down is a common benchmark, many loan programs allow far lower down payments, and some options are designed with first-time buyers in mind. The right amount depends on the loan program, your goals, and your budget. Let's talk through your situation and I'll walk you through what's realistic for you.

There's no single magic number. Different loan programs have different guidelines, and credit is only one piece of the picture. Even if your score isn't where you'd like it to be, it's worth a conversation, because there may be more options available than you expect. And if now isn't quite the right time, I'm happy to help you understand what steps could strengthen your profile.

Pre-qualification is a quick, informal estimate based on information you share about your finances. Pre-approval goes deeper. I review documentation to give you a stronger, more reliable picture of what you can borrow. In a competitive market, a pre-approval shows sellers you're a serious buyer, which can make your offer stand out.

Every loan is a little different, but many purchases move from application to closing in roughly 30 to 45 days once you're under contract. Timing depends on things like the loan program, how quickly documents come together, and the appraisal. I keep you updated at each stage so there are no surprises, and I work to keep things moving smoothly toward closing day.

The initial conversation is always free. I want you to feel comfortable asking questions before you commit to anything. Mortgage transactions do involve costs and fees, and I'll walk you through every one of them in plain English so you understand exactly what you're paying for. My goal is total transparency, with no surprises along the way.