Conventional loans typically require a minimum down payment of 3% to 5% for primary residences. If you put down less than 20%, you will pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you reach 20% equity. Investment properties and second homes generally require 10% to 25% down depending on the program.

A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan is an investment property mortgage where qualification is based on the property's rental income rather than your personal income. If the property's rent covers its mortgage payment, you can qualify without tax returns, W-2s, or employment verification. Most programs require a minimum credit score of 660.

Yes. VA loan entitlement can be reused multiple times throughout your lifetime. You can restore your full entitlement by selling a previous VA-financed home and paying off the loan. In some cases, you can even have two VA loans simultaneously if you have remaining entitlement. Contact us to check your eligibility.

The typical mortgage process takes 30 to 45 days from completed application to closing, though timelines vary by loan type and borrower circumstances. FHA and VA loans may take slightly longer due to additional documentation requirements. At Integrity Home Lending, we use technology to streamline the process and keep you informed at every stage.

Pre-qualification is an initial estimate of how much you may be able to borrow based on self-reported financial information. Pre-approval involves a full credit check and document review, resulting in a conditional commitment from the lender. Pre-approval carries more weight with sellers because it shows verified financial readiness.

Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount and include fees for the appraisal, title search, origination, credit report, and prepaid items like insurance and taxes. Some loan programs allow the seller to contribute toward your closing costs. Your loan officer will provide a detailed estimate early in the process.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is required on conventional loans when your down payment is less than 20%. PMI protects the lender if you default. It is automatically removed once your loan balance reaches 78% of the original home value, or you can request removal at 80% with a good payment history.

Most mortgage applications require recent pay stubs, W-2 forms from the past two years, federal tax returns, two months of bank statements, and a valid government-issued ID. Self-employed borrowers may need profit and loss statements. DSCR investment property loans require significantly less documentation — typically just a credit report and property appraisal.

Yes. Self-employed borrowers can qualify for conventional, FHA, and VA loans using tax returns and profit and loss statements. If your tax write-offs reduce your reported income, a DSCR loan or bank statement loan may be a better fit since these programs evaluate property income or deposits rather than taxable income.

A jumbo loan is a mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limit set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. In most U.S. counties, the 2025 conforming limit is $806,500 for a single-family home. If your purchase price requires a loan above that amount, you will need a jumbo loan, which typically requires a higher credit score and larger down payment.

A Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) loan is a home financing option that does not meet the standard qualifying rules set by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. These loans serve borrowers with non-traditional income, recent credit events, or unique financial situations. Options include bank statement loans, asset-based loans, and interest-only programs.

A fixed-rate mortgage keeps your interest rate and monthly payment the same for the entire loan term, offering predictability. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) starts with a lower rate that adjusts after an initial fixed period, typically 5 or 7 years. ARMs may save you money if you plan to sell or refinance before the adjustment period begins.

Yes. VA loans offer 100% financing with no down payment required for eligible active-duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses. USDA loans also offer zero down payment for properties in eligible rural areas. Both programs have specific eligibility requirements that your loan officer can help you evaluate.

Integrity Home Lending is licensed to originate mortgages in 13 states: Alaska, Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Our NMLS ID is 2412324. Contact us to confirm licensing in your specific state.

Mortgage interest rates are influenced by your credit score, down payment amount, loan type, loan term, and current market conditions. Borrowers with higher credit scores and larger down payments typically receive lower rates. Integrity Home Lending works with wholesale lenders to access rates that are often more competitive than retail banks.

Yes. A rate-and-term refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a new loan at a lower interest rate or different term length. You can also do a cash-out refinance to access your home's equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or other expenses. Your loan officer can calculate whether refinancing makes financial sense based on your break-even timeline.

An FHA 203(k) loan combines a home purchase or refinance with the cost of repairs into a single mortgage. This allows buyers to finance both the property and needed renovations with one loan and one closing. There are two versions — the Standard 203(k) for major renovations and the Limited 203(k) for smaller improvements up to $35,000.

Conventional loans generally limit borrowers to 10 financed properties. DSCR loans have no set limit because each property is qualified individually based on its rental income. If you are building a rental portfolio beyond conventional limits, DSCR financing through Integrity Home Lending allows you to continue scaling without income documentation barriers.

After you submit your application, your loan officer orders the appraisal and begins processing your file. The underwriting team reviews your documents, credit, and the property details. You may receive conditions — additional items needed to finalize approval. Once all conditions are cleared, you receive a clear-to-close and schedule your closing date.