You may need less for a down payment than you think.
FHA, VA, USDA and down payment assistance let many buyers get in with a small down payment, or none at all if they qualify. I’ll find the one that fits you, shopped across 200+ wholesale lenders.
Craig Blondin
Mortgage Loan Originator · NMLS 2680811
(443) 381-0993 · Former real estate broker
4.95See my reviewsWhat will my payment be?
Conventional 30 Fixed
Includes estimated taxes (1% of the price a year), $1,500 a year for insurance and mortgage insurance. Fine-tune it in the full calculator
Your actual rate, payment, and costs could be higher. Get an official Loan Estimate before choosing a loan.
- Wholesale lenders
- 200+
- Buyer loan programs
- 17
- Buyer calculators
- 6
- Licensed in
- CA, DE, MD, PA, VA
Where are you in the process?
Pick the one that fits and I'll point you to the right place to start.
Run your numbers
Sample numbers are filled in. Change them and the results update as you type. When it looks right, send it to me and I'll turn it into a real quote from my lenders.
From first look to keys in hand
Four steps, and I'm with you for every one of them.
01
Run your numbers
Use the calculators or tell me your target price. I'll show you a realistic budget and what each loan would cost you. No credit pull, no commitment.
Today02
Get pre-approved
Start your application online in about 10 minutes. We begin with a soft credit check (no score impact), and once your information is reviewed and verified you'll get a pre-approval letter to share with sellers.
About 10 minutes03
Shop and make offers
Before I was a loan officer I was a real estate broker. I'll run the payment on any house you're serious about, update your letter for each offer and work with your agent to make it strong.
While you shop04
Close and get the keys
I lock your rate, order the appraisal and walk you through underwriting and closing, with updates at every step so nothing catches you off guard.
Closing dayLoan programs for every kind of buyer
Guidelines differ from lender to lender and change often. What's below is a typical starting point, not a quote; I match you to the lenders that fit you best.
Why work with Craig
Wholesale Advantage
Wholesale rates, not retail markups. I compare 200+ lenders to find the best fit for you.
Real Estate Background
As a former real estate broker, I know how offers, contracts and closings work from both sides.
Personal Service
Easy to work with, zero pressure, no call centers. Call or text me directly, on your timeline.
Get your free Purchase Snapshot
Tell me about the home you want. I'll put your best options side by side, with the payment, the cash you need and the programs you qualify for, and send it to you by text and email.
What a Snapshot looks like
Sample only, using the price and rate from the payment check at the top of the page. Yours uses your numbers and real lender pricing.
- Your monthly payment on each option, with taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance
- The cash you'd need at closing, and where down payment help could fit
- Which programs you qualify for, and what would improve your options
Your Purchase Snapshot
Homebuyer questions
How much house can I afford?
Lenders mainly look at your debt-to-income ratio: your new house payment plus your other monthly debts, divided by your gross monthly income. Many loans allow 43% to 50% depending on the program and your credit. Try the affordability calculator, then I'll give you your real number at pre-approval.
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
Many conventional loans look for a score of 620 or higher, and FHA guidelines allow lower scores. Minimums vary by program and lender. I'll review your situation and walk you through the loan options that fit where you are today.
How much do I really need for a down payment?
It's often less than people expect. Conventional and FHA loans offer low down payment options, and VA loans (for eligible veterans and service members) and USDA loans (for eligible rural properties) can require no down payment. Down payment assistance can also cover the FHA minimum for buyers who qualify. Requirements depend on the program and your qualifications.
What are closing costs, and can the seller pay them?
Closing costs cover the lender, title, appraisal and the first deposits into your escrow account for taxes and insurance. They're often around 2% to 5% of the price. Sellers can credit some or all of them, up to a limit set by your loan program and down payment. The cash-to-close calculator shows how it adds up.
Will getting pre-approved hurt my credit score?
Our initial pre-approval uses a soft inquiry that has no impact on your credit score. A hard inquiry only happens when you formally submit a full mortgage application, and I'll let you know before that happens.
How long does the pre-approval process take?
It depends on your situation and how quickly your documents come in. Straightforward files can move quickly, often within a day or two once everything is submitted. I'll keep you updated and answer questions throughout.
What documents will I need?
Typically: 2 years of W-2s or tax returns, recent pay stubs, 2–3 months of bank statements, and a government-issued ID. Self-employed? Bank statement loans and other alternative income options can work instead of tax returns.
Do I need a real estate agent first?
No. Getting pre-approved first is the better order, because you'll know your budget and sellers take your offer more seriously. If you don't have an agent yet, I'm happy to connect you with a good one.
Where can you lend?
I'm licensed in California, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Buying somewhere else? Tell me where, and I'll let you know how I can help.
Buying a rental or investment property?
DSCR loans that qualify on the rent, fix-and-flip, BRRRR and portfolio financing, with calculators built for investors.
