How much down payment do I need?

Down payment requirements vary by loan program. Some options allow as little as 3% down — and VA or USDA loans can require 0%. A larger down payment can reduce monthly payments and eliminate mortgage insurance. We’ll help you understand what’s possible, and what’s smart.

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

Most lenders prefer your DTI under 43%, meaning your monthly debts are less than 43% of your gross income. But strong credit, assets, or compensating factors can allow for exceptions. We'll help you find the best-fit path based on your full financial picture.

How long does the mortgage process take?

On average, purchases close in 21–30 days, and refinances may be faster. With the right preparation, we've closed loans in as little as 4 days. We'll give you a realistic timeline and help you move swiftly.

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

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on unverified info. Pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your credit, income, and assets. Sellers take pre-approvals more seriously — they show you're fully vetted and ready to go.

What factors determine my interest rate?

Your rate is influenced by credit score, loan-to-value ratio, income stability, loan amount, type of loan, and documentation. Even your state and property type can affect pricing. We’ll help you understand your options and lock at the right time.

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

A rate/term refinance replaces your current loan to get a better rate or term. A cash-out refinance lets you take equity out as cash at closing. You’ll typically see a slightly higher rate on cash-out loans — we’ll compare both so you can decide.

Does refinancing reduce my mortgage interest tax deduction?

Yes — when you pay less interest, there’s less to deduct. But your real-world savings usually far outweigh any tax loss. If your main goal is a bigger deduction, we could always refinance you into a higher rate 😉 (Just kidding. Kind of.)

Doesn’t refinancing mean ‘starting over’?

Only if you want it to. You can keep making your current payment and pay your new loan off even faster. This simple trick can save you tens of thousands in long-term interest.

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

It’s different — not harder. We just need to document your income differently. That could mean tax returns, P&Ls, bank statements, or even asset-based options. We work with lots of business owners — and we tailor the path to you.

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

Not as much as you might think. We’ve streamlined the process — most docs are uploaded securely online. We also offer reduced-documentation loans when applicable. No fax machines, no chaos — we guide you step-by-step.

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

Absolutely. We specialize in investor and business-owner lending. Depending on your profile, we can use rental income, bank statements, or asset qualifiers. You’ll get financing tailored to how you actually earn — not just W-2 assumptions.

What is a “no cost” loan?

It means no points, no lender fees, and no fees rolled into your loan. You’ll still pay your regular costs like taxes and insurance, but a lender credit covers your closing fees. This structure is great when you want to save cash upfront.

How do mortgage brokers like Solidify get paid?

We’re paid directly by the lender through a pre-set compensation plan. It doesn’t change based on the loan you choose, your rate, or your loan amount. That means you get transparency — and we’re fully aligned with your best interest.

Is mortgage interest front-loaded?

Nope — this is one of the biggest mortgage myths. You pay more interest early on simply because your loan balance is higher, not because it’s “loaded” upfront. As your balance drops, so does your interest portion.