Straight answers to mortgage questions

Pre-qualification uses a soft credit check and the numbers you share to estimate what you can borrow. Pre-approval verifies income, assets and credit with documents, so sellers treat it as a much stronger commitment.

No. Our online pre-qualification uses a soft inquiry that does not affect your score. A hard inquiry happens only when you move forward with a full application.

Our median purchase closes in 21 days from signed contract. Refinances average 18 days. Government and jumbo loans can take a little longer.

Usually two recent pay stubs, two years of W-2s, two months of bank statements and a photo ID. Self-employed borrowers add two years of tax returns. Most can be linked digitally.

No. Rates on this demo site are samples for illustration. Your actual rate depends on credit, down payment, property type, loan amount and the market on the day you lock.

In our sample pricing, one flat $995 processing and underwriting fee, with no application fee, no rate lock fee and no document prep fee. Third-party costs like appraisal and title are listed separately at cost.

A point is an optional upfront fee equal to 1% of the loan amount that lowers your rate. We show pricing with and without points so you can compare break-even.

Often, yes. Sellers can contribute 3% to 9% depending on loan type and down payment. Your agent negotiates it, and we tell them the maximum allowed.

FHA starts at 580, conventional at 620, and jumbo usually at 680. Higher scores unlock better pricing, and we can show you exactly which score changes your rate.

Lenders look at debt-to-income, typically up to 43% to 50%. We recommend keeping your full housing payment near 28% to 31% of gross income. Try our affordability calculator for a quick estimate.

Yes. We usually need two years of self-employment history. Bank statement programs are available when tax returns do not reflect your real income.

Most borrowers lock once they have a signed purchase contract. Locks are free for up to 60 days, and a float-down option is available if rates drop meaningfully.

Yes. Utah allows remote online notarization for most loans, and a mobile notary can also come to you.

One named loan officer and one processor from application to closing, with text updates at each milestone.