Yes, absolutely. Many loan programs today require little to no money down. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down, conventional loans can go as low as 3% for qualified buyers, and VA loans offer 0% down for eligible veterans and active-duty service members. USDA loans also offer 100% financing for homes in qualifying rural and suburban areas. We work with a wide range of programs and can find the right fit for your situation. Give us a call and we will walk you through your options.

Yes. Unlike big banks that are limited to their own in-house products, we have access to a large network of lenders and loan programs. That means we can shop your scenario across multiple lenders to find the best rate and terms for your specific needs. Whether you are self-employed, have had credit challenges, or need a non-traditional loan structure, we have options. Call us today and let us show you what we can do.

In many cases, yes. First-time homebuyers can withdraw up to $10,000 from a traditional IRA penalty-free for a home purchase. With a 401(k), you may be able to take a loan against your balance rather than a withdrawal, which avoids taxes and penalties. Rules vary by plan and by your situation, so we always recommend speaking with your accountant or financial advisor before tapping retirement funds. They can help you understand the tax impact and find the most cost-effective approach.

A fixed rate mortgage locks in your interest rate for the life of the loan, most commonly 15 or 30 years. Your principal and interest payment stays the same every month, which makes budgeting straightforward. An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) starts with a fixed rate for an introductory period, typically 5, 7, or 10 years, and then adjusts periodically based on a market index. ARMs usually offer a lower starting rate than fixed loans, but your payment can increase after the introductory period ends. Most ARMs have caps that limit how much the rate can change at each adjustment and over the life of the loan.

It depends on your plans and your comfort with risk. If you plan to stay in the home long-term, a fixed rate gives you stability and protection against rate increases. If you plan to sell or refinance within a few years, an ARM's lower initial rate could save you money before the adjustments kick in. When rates are elevated, some buyers use an ARM to get into a home at a lower payment now and plan to refinance when rates drop. We are happy to run the numbers on both scenarios for your specific situation so you can make the decision that makes the most sense for you.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is a policy that protects the lender if you default on the loan. It is typically required when your down payment is less than 20% of the home's purchase price. PMI is usually added to your monthly payment and costs between 0.5% and 1.5% of the loan amount per year, depending on your credit score and loan-to-value ratio. The good news is it is not permanent. Under federal law (the Homeowners Protection Act), lenders are required to cancel PMI automatically once your loan balance reaches 78% of the original home value. You can also request cancellation once you reach 80% equity, as long as you have a good payment history. Some loan programs, such as FHA loans, have their own mortgage insurance rules that differ from conventional PMI.