Lendmire Learning Center
Learning Center

Everything you need to know about getting a mortgage.

Guides, articles, and resources covering every step of the process — from first-time buyer basics to advanced investor strategies.

Start With Pre-Approval
Featured Guide
Essential Reading · 8 Min Read

How to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Before you begin your home search, talk to a lender about getting pre-approved. This is the most important step borrowers skip — and the one that shapes everything that follows. We’ll walk you through what to expect, what documents you’ll need, and how long the process takes.

Read the Guide
The Fundamentals

The six things every borrower should know.

If you read nothing else on this site, read these six guides. They cover the questions every mortgage borrower asks — and the answers that shape every loan decision that follows.

I

How to get pre-approved

What a pre-approval letter actually means, what documents you’ll need, and how long it takes.

Read
II

Down payment explained

How much you really need, program minimums, and when smaller down payments make sense.

Read
III

Cash to close

The difference between down payment and cash to close — and what to expect at the closing table.

Read
IV

Loan types compared

Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and jumbo — what each is for and how to choose the right fit.

Read
V

Rate buy-downs

How points work, when they make sense, and how to think about the break-even math.

Read
VI

The timeline

From first offer to closing day — what each phase looks like and how long it really takes.

Read
Learning Center

Know before you borrow.

Guides, market insights, and scenario breakdowns from our licensed loan officers.

  • What Credit Score Do I Need to Get a Mortgage?

    What Credit Score Do I Need to Get a Mortgage?

    Generally, a credit score of 620 or higher will get the best terms for a mortgage. A higher credit score can make the underwriting and approval process faster and easier, as well as get a better interest rate. A higher credit score means that you are less risky for the lender to give money to.…

  • How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home?

    How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home?

    The exact time that it takes to get from the home search process to turning the key and walking into your new home can vary. Generally, it’s best to estimate 2-3 months for the home search process and 1-2 months for closing. But some searches last much longer and some paths to closing can bring…

  • First Steps to Buy a Home

    First Steps to Buy a Home

    If you’ve been dreaming of owning your own home, you may be ready to start looking for something with a dreamy master bedroom, plenty of outdoor entertaining space, and a killer setup for streaming Monday Night Football. But there are a few steps that you need to take before you start your home search to…

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Tools to move from reading to action.

Tool One

Mortgage calculator

Run the numbers on a purchase or refinance — including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.

Calculate Tool Two

Get pre-approved

Start your pre-approval in under 30 seconds. A Lendmire specialist will follow up to finalize the details.

Start Tool Three

Browse programs

See every loan program Lendmire offers — from conventional to DSCR — and find the right fit.

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Still have questions?

A Lendmire specialist will walk you through your scenario and help you find the right program — no commitment required.

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