Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment do I need?

There’s no single answer—it depends on your loan type. Some programs let you put down as little as 3% (or even 0% for some FHA/VA/USDA loans). That said, a higher down payment can reduce your monthly payment and eliminate mortgage insurance.

We’ll walk you through your options and help you choose what’s smart—not just what’s possible.

What’s the ideal debt-to-income (DTI) ratio to qualify?

Most lenders prefer your DTI to be under 43%, meaning your total monthly debts are less than 43% of your gross income.

But exceptions exist—especially if you have strong credit or assets. We’ll run your numbers and help you position yourself for approval.

How long does the mortgage process take?

On average, a purchase loan closes in 21–30 days, and refinances are often even quicker. We’ve closed loans in as few as 10 days when needed—but timelines depend on your responsiveness and loan type.

We’ll give you a realistic game plan based on your goals.

What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate. Pre-approval is a verified commitment—your income, credit, and assets are reviewed.

Pre-approvals give you stronger buying power and credibility with sellers.

What factors determine my interest rate?

Lenders assess a mix of credit, equity, income, assets, liabilities, loan amount, program type, and state.

🧠 Tip: The more documentation you provide, the better your options tend to be.

What’s the difference between a cash-out and rate/term refinance?

A rate/term refinance replaces your old loan to lower your rate or shorten your term—with no cash taken out.

A cash-out refinance lets you tap your home equity and receive funds at closing. You’ll likely get a slightly higher rate in exchange for that liquidity.

We’ll compare both side by side so you can see what fits.

Does refinancing reduce my mortgage interest tax deduction?

Yes, but usually by a small amount. The upside? Your actual interest cost drops, which means more cash stays in your pocket.

In most cases, the net savings far outweigh any deduction loss.

And hey—if maximizing your deduction is the priority, we can always refinance you into a higher rate. That’ll really boost your write-off 😉.
(Kidding, of course. We’re here to help you save.)

Doesn’t refinancing mean “starting over”?

Only if you choose to. Most of our clients keep their same monthly payment even after refinancing—this pays down the new loan faster and builds equity quicker.

The amortization resets, but your savings don’t disappear.

Is getting a mortgage harder when you’re self-employed?

It’s more nuanced—not harder. Lenders just need to see income stability, which can come from tax returns, P&Ls, bank statements, or asset qualifiers.

We work with tons of business owners and investors—so we’ll tailor your path around how you actually earn.

I’m worried about paperwork—how much do I need to provide?

This part has come a long way. While we still need documents, you’ll upload securely online, and we guide you through each step.

Plus, we work with reduced-doc programs for self-employed and investor clients. No need to stress—we’ll simplify it.

Can I get a mortgage if I’m self-employed or an investor?

Yes. We specialize in reduced-doc and asset-based loan programs for self-employed borrowers and real estate investors.

No tax return? No problem—bank statement, DSCR, and 1099-only options available.  Even in states beyond our footprint.

What is a “no cost” loan?

A true no cost loan means you pay no points, no fees, and nothing rolled into your loan balance. You still cover your own interest, taxes, and insurance, but any third-party fees are offset by a lender credit.

✅ Look for this credit on your Loan Estimate—it’ll typically match the total listed fees.

How do mortgage brokers like Solidify Mortgage Advisors get paid?

We’re paid directly by the lender, not you. Every loan has a preset compensation percentage paid by the bank—your rate or product doesn’t affect this.

No hidden fees. No financial incentive to push one loan over another.

Is mortgage interest front-loaded?

Not in the way most people think. You pay more interest up front because your balance is higher—not because lenders structure it unfairly.

Interest is calculated monthly: Loan balance × interest rate ÷ 12.
So as you pay down the balance, the interest portion shrinks over time.