Thinking About Buying a Home? Here's Exactly What You Need.
A simple, no-pressure walkthrough of the 5 things every homebuyer must have before they get the keys. No jargon. No sales pitch. Just clarity.
Clarity First. Pressure, Never.
I help future homeowners understand what it really takes to buy a home, without the jargon or the pressure. Whether you're ready to buy now or you're 12 months out, this page is here to give you clarity on where you stand and what your next step looks like.
Buying a Home Doesn't Have to Be a Mystery.
Every mortgage approval comes down to 5 key things lenders evaluate before they hand you the keys.
Credit: The First Thing Lenders See
Your credit score tells lenders how you've handled borrowed money in the past, and it's the first thing they look at when deciding if you qualify.
- Most programs require a minimum 620 FICO
- FHA available at 580 with 3.5% down
Do not pay off a collection account right before applying for a mortgage without talking to your lender first. Paying it can actually drop your score in the short term.
Income & Employment: Proving You Can Afford the Payment
Lenders want to see steady, documentable income, usually a 2-year history, that proves you can comfortably afford the monthly mortgage payment.
- 2 years of steady, documented employment
- W-2, 1099, self-employment, bonuses, commissions
If you're self-employed and you write off a lot on your taxes to lower your taxable income, you may be hurting your buying power without realizing it.
Down Payment & Reserves: How Much You Actually Need
You don't need 20% down. Programs exist with as little as 0-3.5% down, plus a small cushion of savings left after closing.
- FHA 3.5% · Conventional 3% · VA/USDA 0%
- Reserves: typically 2 to 6 monthly payments
Large deposits into your bank account in the months before applying must be sourced and documented. If grandma is gifting you the down payment, do not deposit cash.
Debt-to-Income Ratio: The Silent Approval Killer
The percentage of your monthly income that goes to debt payments. The lower it is, the more loan options open up to you.
- Typical threshold: 43% to 50% depending on loan type
Do not finance a new car, furniture, or appliances while you're house hunting. A new $400 monthly payment can knock you out of qualifying for tens of thousands in mortgage.
Documentation: The Paper Trail That Closes the Deal
The paper trail that proves everything else. Pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and IDs that lenders use to verify your file.
- 2 years of W-2s / returns, 30-day pay stubs
- 2-month bank statements and photo ID
Do not switch jobs, move large sums between accounts, or make big purchases during the mortgage process. Lenders re-verify everything right before closing.
Personalized Service
A plan built for your situation, not a generic answer.
Expert Guidance
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and Arizona down payment help.
End-to-End Support
By your side from the first call to closing day.
Find Out in One Call.
Fifteen minutes with Jorge gives you a clear picture of where you stand today and what it takes to get to the keys. No pressure.
Book a Free ConsultationAnswered Honestly.
No. This is the biggest myth in homebuying. FHA loans require 3.5%, conventional loans can go as low as 3%, and VA and USDA loans can require 0%. Down payment assistance programs are also accessible in Arizona, and we will walk you through every option you qualify for.
A mortgage pre-qualification uses a soft pull that doesn't impact your score. A full pre-approval involves a hard pull that temporarily lowers your score slightly. Multiple mortgage inquiries within 45 days count as one inquiry, so shopping around is safe.
Pre-approval can be issued within 24 to 72 hours if your documentation is prepared. Gathering documents or addressing credit or debt-to-income concerns may extend the timeline to 1 to 3 weeks. Jorge provides realistic timelines during your initial consultation.
Permanent residents, DACA recipients, and non-citizens with valid work authorization can qualify for most loan programs, including FHA. ITIN loan programs also exist for buyers without Social Security numbers.
You're not alone, and you're not disqualified. Most buyers have at least one area that needs work. Credit typically improves within 60 to 120 days with the right plan, and Jorge will build it with you during your free consultation.
Real Families. Real Keys.
These aren't made-up stories. They're neighbors who took the step, and the day they finally got the keys.
“I'm trading California traffic for Arizona heat.”
“The American Dream, unlocked on her birthday.”
Let's Start With Clarity.
Whether you're ready today or 12 months out, one free call tells you exactly where you stand and how to get to the keys.
Book a Free Consultation