Question 1

How do I know which mortgage strategy is right for me?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your goal, your timeline, and your current financial position. A first time buyer with W-2 income is a completely different conversation than an investor scaling a rental portfolio with DSCR loans. Our strategy engine walks you through the key variables and gives you a personalized recommendation in about 90 seconds.

Question 2

What's the difference between conforming and non-QM loans?

Accepted Answer

Conforming loans follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, which means strict income documentation, debt to income limits, and loan amount caps. Non-QM loans (like bank statement and DSCR products) use alternative qualification methods, so self-employed borrowers and investors can qualify based on deposits or rental income instead of tax returns.

Question 3

How long does the mortgage process take?

Accepted Answer

Most conventional purchases close in 25 to 35 days. HELOCs can close in as little as 2 to 3 weeks depending on the lender. DSCR and bank statement loans typically take 30 to 45 days because of the additional documentation review. Timeline depends on how quickly you provide documents and the complexity of the deal.

Question 4

Do I need perfect credit to get a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

No. Many loan programs accept credit scores in the 620 to 680 range, and some non-QM products go as low as 580. Your credit score affects your rate and available programs, but it does not automatically disqualify you. The bigger factors are usually your income documentation, down payment, and overall financial picture.

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