Learn • Guides

Mortgage guides that speak human, not “lender.”

Clear, no-jargon guides to loan programs, the approval process, and real-world strategies to help you feel prepared—not pressured—on your path to homeownership.

Built for first-time buyers, move-up buyers & investors Backed by real underwriting guidelines
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Loan Program Guides

Compare Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, and more in plain English.
Conventional
Conventional Loan Guide
Minimum down, credit score basics, mortgage insurance rules, and when Conventional beats FHA.
5-min read First-time & move-up →
FHA
FHA Loan Guide
Lower down payments, flexible credit, and how FHA mortgage insurance really works over time.
6-min read Low-down options →
VA
VA Home Loan Guide
Zero-down eligibility, funding fee basics, and why VA can be one of the strongest offers on the table.
5-min read Eligible veterans & service →
USDA
USDA Loan Guide
Zero-down in eligible areas, income limits, and what “rural” really means in practice.
4-min read Location-specific →
Jumbo
Jumbo & Super Jumbo Guide
Higher loan amounts, reserve requirements, and how Jumbo guidelines differ from agency loans.
6-min read High-cost markets →
Investors
DSCR & Investor Loan Guide
Debt-service coverage, rent-driven approvals, and how investors structure financing for long-term holds.
7-min read Investor-focused →

First-Time Buyer & Process Guides

Answers to the “where do I even start?” questions.
First-Time
How Much Home Can I Afford?
A simple framework for balancing payment comfort, down payment, and long-term plans.
5-min read Includes calculator link →
Process
Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification
What agents and sellers expect, and why a true pre-approval can help your offer stand out.
4-min read Before you shop →
Process
What Happens After You’re Under Contract
From disclosures to appraisal to clear-to-close, step-by-step in normal language.
6-min read Timeline overview →
Down Payment
Down Payment Options & Assistance
3%, 3.5%, 5%+, plus how grants, gifts, and assistance programs can help.
5-min read Local programs vary →
Credit
Credit & Score Basics for Homebuyers
What matters most in a mortgage credit pull—and what usually matters less than people fear.
5-min read Education only →
Closing
What Happens on Closing Day
Who’s there, what you’ll sign, and how to know your final numbers ahead of time.
4-min read Day-of checklist →

Strategy & Underwriting Guides

Turn guidelines into practical moves for your situation.
Strategy
2-1 & 3-2-1 Buydowns Explained
How temporary buydowns work, who can pay for them, and when they may make more sense than points.
6-min read Agent-friendly resource →
Strategy
Recast vs. Refinance
The difference between applying a lump-sum to your balance versus starting a brand-new loan.
5-min read Existing homeowners →
Underwriting
How Underwriters Look at Income
W-2, self-employed, bonus, overtime, and commission—what “stable and likely to continue” really means.
7-min read Behind the scenes →
Underwriting
Assets, Large Deposits & Paper Trails
Why your lender cares about where funds came from—and how to plan ahead so it’s painless.
5-min read Before you move money →
Homeownership
Why Your Mortgage Payment Can Change
Escrows, taxes, insurance, and what to watch for in your annual escrow review.
4-min read After closing →
Home Equity
HELOCs & Home Equity Loans 101
The basics of borrowing against your equity for projects, debt consolidation, or investment.
6-min read Existing homeowners →