Don't miss your
Perfect home!

That depends on your income, monthly debts, credit score, down payment, and current interest rates. Most lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to make sure your mortgage payment fits comfortably within your budget. A pre-approval is the best way to get an accurate number before you start shopping.

It varies by loan program:

• Conventional loans: Often start around 620
• FHA loans: Can go as low as 580 (sometimes lower with larger down payments)
• VA & USDA loans: More flexible, depending on the lender Even if your score isn’t perfect, there are often options and ways to improve it quickly.

Not as much as many people think.

• Conventional loans: As low as 3% down
• FHA loans: 3.5% down
• VA & USDA loans: 0% down for eligible borrowers There may also be down payment assistance programs available depending on your location and situation.

‍

Buying can build long-term wealth through equity, while renting offers flexibility. If you plan to stay in the home for a few years and your finances are stable, buying often makes sense especially since rent typically increases over time, while a fixed mortgage payment does not.

Most lenders will ask for:

• Recent pay stubs
• W-2s or tax returns
• Bank statements
• Photo ID

Permission to pull your credit
Having these ready helps speed up the approval process and avoids delays.