Mortgage questions, answered

A pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on information you provide. A pre-approval is stronger: your credit is pulled and your income and asset documents are reviewed, so sellers and agents take your offer more seriously.

Typically your last 30 days of pay stubs, two years of W-2s (or tax returns if you're self-employed), two months of bank statements, a photo ID and authorization to pull credit. DSCR and foreign national loans have different document lists.

A mortgage credit check may cause a small, temporary dip in your score. Scoring models generally count multiple mortgage inquiries within a short shopping window as one inquiry.

Yes. Many of my clients are first-time buyers. I explain every step, review options like FHA and low-down-payment conventional loans, and can discuss whether Florida down payment assistance programs may apply.

Closing costs in Florida commonly run about 2% to 5% of the purchase price. That includes lender fees, title insurance, recording fees and Florida's documentary stamp and intangible taxes on the mortgage, plus prepaid taxes and insurance. You'll get an itemized Loan Estimate after you apply.

Often, yes. Most loan programs allow seller concessions up to limits that depend on the loan type and down payment. Your agent negotiates them as part of your offer.

A mortgage broker works with multiple wholesale lenders instead of offering one bank's products. That lets me shop your loan across lenders to find the program and terms that fit your situation.

I specialize in FHA, conventional, foreign national and DSCR loans. Through Mpire Financial I also have access to more than 100 loan products, including VA, USDA, jumbo, bank statement, 1099, ITIN, non-QM, refinance, HELOC, construction, fix-and-flip and commercial loans.

I'm based in downtown Orlando and can originate loans in 33 states. My home market is Central Florida, including Orlando, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Winter Park, Lake Nona, Clermont, Sanford and Davenport. See all 33 states.