Free Real Estate Resources

We've put together some helpful, free real estate resources for you below. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the first step in buying a home?

The first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. It helps you understand your budget and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.

How much do I need for a down payment?

You don’t always need 20%. Many loans, like FHA, require as little as 3.5%, and some programs offer 0% down for qualified buyers.

What’s the difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification?

Pre-approval is a detailed process that determines your exact loan amount, while pre-qualification provides an estimate. Pre-approval carries more weight when making an offer because it gets reviewed by an underwriter. A pre-qualification comes from running your loan details through software and gets compared to general mortgage requirements.

What are closing costs, and how much will they be?

Closing costs include fees for title insurance, inspections, and lender expenses. They typically range from 2-5% of the home’s purchase price, so they will vary depending on your specific details.

How do interest rates affect my mortgage?

Interest rates directly impact your monthly payment and the total cost of your loan. A lower rate can save you thousands over the life of the mortgage. But be careful, some lenders say they have better interest rates, when they may charge you more in a different location, essentially making you buy that rate.

What’s private mortgage insurance (PMI)?

PMI is required if you put down less than 20%. It’s included in your monthly payment and can usually be canceled once you reach 20% equity in your home. There are other situations your PMI can be removed early. If you have mortgage insurance on your current loan, call us to talk through your options to remove it!

Can I buy a home with student loan debt?

Yes, as long as your overall debt-to-income ratio meets lender requirements. Good budgeting and consistent payments on other debts are key.

What’s a good credit score for buying a home?

While many loans require a minimum score of 620, higher scores typically qualify for better interest rates and loan terms.

How long does it take to close on a home?

Closing usually takes 30-45 days, depending on the complexity of the transaction and how quickly documents are processed. It’s important to have your documents in an easy-to-access location, so that when your lender asks for something, you’re able to send it quickly. This helps the process move much faster.

Why should I use a mortgage broker instead of going directly to a lender?

Mortgage brokers provide access to multiple lenders, personalized advice, and can often secure better rates or terms than going directly to one bank.

Free Real Estate Guides

Whether you are a first-time or move-up homebuyer, a real estate investor, or a realtor looking to increase your knowledge and skills, we’ve got a helpful guide for you. Access any of our information-packed guides below.