Clear answers to the questions we hear most from clients.
Our team will review your financial situation and goals to recommend the best loan options tailored to your needs.
Yes! Our quick online application makes it easy to get started from anywhere, anytime.
Most applications are reviewed within a few business days, and we’ll guide you through each step.
Absolutely. We specialize in helping first-time buyers understand their options and secure affordable financing.
Your interest rate depends on several financial factors that help lenders assess risk and stability. Here are the main points they review:
• Credit Score:
Your credit profile plays the biggest role. Higher scores typically mean lower rates, since they reflect a strong history of repayment. Lenders also look for recent late payments or high credit utilization.
• Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI):
This compares your monthly debts to your gross income. Most lenders prefer a front-end ratio (housing only) below 28% and a back-end ratio (all debts combined) below 36%. Staying within these ranges helps you qualify for better terms.
• Down Payment or Equity:
The more money you put down (or the more equity you have when refinancing), the less risk for the lender — and usually, the lower your rate. For example, someone putting 10% down may get a better rate than a buyer putting 0% down.
Once these factors are reviewed, your loan goes through underwriting to confirm eligibility and finalize pricing.
Discount points are optional fees you can pay upfront to reduce your interest rate for the life of the loan.
Each point equals 1% of your loan amount. Paying points can make sense if you plan to stay in the home long enough to benefit from the lower monthly payment. You’ll see any points you purchase listed on your Closing Disclosure at closing.
Closing costs vary depending on your loan type, property location, and chosen lender. Generally, they range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount.
Typical items include:
- Origination Fee: Covers loan setup and processing
- Discount Points: Optional fee to buy down your rate
- Appraisal Fee: Based on home size and location
- Credit Report Fee: Cost of verifying your credit profile
- Underwriting & Processing Fees: For lender and investor services
- Flood Certification: Confirms whether the home is in a flood zone
- Title Fees & Title Policy: Paid to the title company to ensure clear ownership
- Recording Fees: Charged by your local county or state for legal filing
Some costs are controlled by third-party vendors and can’t be negotiated. Your Loan Estimate will outline each expense clearly before closing.
Your credit report gives lenders a snapshot of your financial habits — showing how you manage debt and repayment. Reports are pulled from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to verify your accounts, balances, and payment history.
This information is used to calculate your credit score, which directly influences loan approval, rate options, and terms.
Both are great options, but they suit different needs:
• Down Payment:
FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down, while some conventional programs allow 3% down for qualified buyers.
• Mortgage Insurance:
FHA loans include an upfront and monthly mortgage insurance premium (MIP). Conventional loans may also require mortgage insurance if you put down less than 20%, but it can be removed once you reach 20% equity.
• Credit Flexibility:
FHA loans are often more forgiving for borrowers with lower credit scores or limited credit history. Conventional loans tend to favor stronger credit and lower debt ratios.
• Taxes & Insurance:
Both loan types handle property taxes and homeowner’s insurance the same way — typically through an escrow account managed by your lender.
• Interest Rates:
Rates can vary based on the program, lender, and your financial profile. Always request a detailed quote comparing both options before deciding.
Before you start shopping for homes, it’s smart to know how much you can comfortably afford.
By answering a few quick questions, we can help estimate your purchasing power based on lender guidelines and your financial profile.
Getting pre-approved early gives you a real advantage:
You’ll know your price range and budget with confidence.
Sellers take your offer more seriously when your financing is already verified.
Your closing process moves faster once you find the right home.
A pre-approval includes verifying your income, credit, assets, and debts to determine loan eligibility.
Factors lenders consider:
Credit Score: A higher score often means better rates and more loan options.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Most lenders prefer housing expenses under 28% of your gross income, and total debts under 36%.
Down Payment: More equity means less lender risk — and potentially a lower rate.
Employment and Income Stability: Consistent earnings history builds confidence in repayment ability.
If you’re self-employed, lenders typically review two years of tax returns to document income.
Down payment funds can come from personal savings or gift funds from an approved source, as long as documentation shows the gift doesn’t need to be repaid.
There’s no “one size fits all” loan — the best option depends on your goals, budget, and how long you plan to stay in your home.
Here are two common options:
Your rate and payment stay the same for the entire loan term (usually 15 or 30 years).
Best for you if you:
Plan to stay in your home long-term
Prefer consistent monthly payments
Want to avoid rate changes in the future
Your rate is fixed for an initial period, then adjusts based on market conditions.
Best for you if you:
Expect to move or refinance within a few years
Are comfortable with potential payment changes
Anticipate income growth in the near future
Our team can help compare programs side-by-side and explain the pros and cons of each — so you can make the best financial decision for your situation.
Once you’ve chosen a program, it’s time to apply.
You can easily begin the process online with PJ Zaji at Nexa Mortgage.
Your application will include details about your income, assets, employment, and the property you’re financing.
Tip: The more complete your application, the faster we can move it through approval.
After we receive your application, our processing team verifies your information and prepares your file for underwriting.
During this stage, we’ll:
Confirm your income and employment
Review your credit report and payment history
Verify your assets and bank statements
Order an appraisal to confirm the property’s market value
Underwriting is where your loan is officially evaluated for approval.
To keep things moving smoothly:
Respond quickly to requests for documents.
Avoid major purchases or opening new credit accounts.
Keep your funds in the same accounts (don’t transfer money without documentation).
Let us know if you plan to travel near your closing date.
Once your loan is approved, you’re ready to close!
You’ll review and sign your final loan documents — typically with a notary or title company representative.
Before signing, double-check that:
Your loan amount, interest rate, and terms match your agreement.
Your name, address, and details are accurate.
You’ll need:
A cashier’s check or wire transfer for closing costs and down payment.
Proof of homeowner’s insurance (and flood insurance if required).
After signing, your lender will fund the loan, and the title company will officially record your ownership.
For refinance loans, there’s a three-day review period before the transaction is finalized (as required by federal law).
Congratulations — your new chapter begins here!
Before you start shopping for homes, it’s smart to know how much you can comfortably afford.
By answering a few quick questions, we can help estimate your purchasing power based on lender guidelines and your financial profile.
Getting pre-approved early gives you a real advantage:
You’ll know your price range and budget with confidence.
Sellers take your offer more seriously when your financing is already verified.
Your closing process moves faster once you find the right home.
A pre-approval includes verifying your income, credit, assets, and debts to determine loan eligibility.
Factors lenders consider:
Credit Score: A higher score often means better rates and more loan options.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Most lenders prefer housing expenses under 28% of your gross income, and total debts under 36%.
Down Payment: More equity means less lender risk — and potentially a lower rate.
Employment and Income Stability: Consistent earnings history builds confidence in repayment ability.
If you’re self-employed, lenders typically review two years of tax returns to document income.
Down payment funds can come from personal savings or gift funds from an approved source, as long as documentation shows the gift doesn’t need to be repaid.
There’s no “one size fits all” loan — the best option depends on your goals, budget, and how long you plan to stay in your home.
Here are two common options:
Your rate and payment stay the same for the entire loan term (usually 15 or 30 years).
Best for you if you:
Plan to stay in your home long-term
Prefer consistent monthly payments
Want to avoid rate changes in the future
Your rate is fixed for an initial period, then adjusts based on market conditions.
Best for you if you:
Expect to move or refinance within a few years
Are comfortable with potential payment changes
Anticipate income growth in the near future
Our team can help compare programs side-by-side and explain the pros and cons of each — so you can make the best financial decision for your situation.
Once you’ve chosen a program, it’s time to apply.
You can easily begin the process online with PJ Zaji at Nexa Mortgage.
Your application will include details about your income, assets, employment, and the property you’re financing.
Tip: The more complete your application, the faster we can move it through approval.
After we receive your application, our processing team verifies your information and prepares your file for underwriting.
During this stage, we’ll:
Confirm your income and employment
Review your credit report and payment history
Verify your assets and bank statements
Order an appraisal to confirm the property’s market value
Underwriting is where your loan is officially evaluated for approval.
To keep things moving smoothly:
Respond quickly to requests for documents.
Avoid major purchases or opening new credit accounts.
Keep your funds in the same accounts (don’t transfer money without documentation).
Let us know if you plan to travel near your closing date.
Once your loan is approved, you’re ready to close!
You’ll review and sign your final loan documents — typically with a notary or title company representative.
Before signing, double-check that:
Your loan amount, interest rate, and terms match your agreement.
Your name, address, and details are accurate.
You’ll need:
A cashier’s check or wire transfer for closing costs and down payment.
Proof of homeowner’s insurance (and flood insurance if required).
After signing, your lender will fund the loan, and the title company will officially record your ownership.
For refinance loans, there’s a three-day review period before the transaction is finalized (as required by federal law).
Congratulations — your new chapter begins here!
© Copyright 2025. Expand Realty Group. All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright 2025. Expand Realty Group. All Rights Reserved.