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.

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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.

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II

Down payment explained

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

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III

Cash to close

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

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IV

Loan types compared

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

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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.

  • Getting Pre-Qualified for a Housing Offer

    Getting Pre-Qualified for a Housing Offer

    If you’re getting ready to start your housing search, there are a few documents that can be helpful to have on hand. These can make the offer process much faster and smoother, especially if you plan to take out a mortgage. Understanding Pre-Qualification A pre-qualification is one of the most important things that can really…

  • How Much Do You Need as a Down Payment on a House?

    How Much Do You Need as a Down Payment on a House?

    In the market to purchase a home? You may be wondering how much you need to save for a down payment. Typically, 20% of the purchase price  is needed for a down payment. But there are some mortgage options with lower down payment requirements. Here is an overview. All amounts are percentages of the overall…

  • Are There Any Extras Included when I Buy Real Estate?

    Are There Any Extras Included when I Buy Real Estate?

    You’ve hashed out the details of buying a home. From price per square foot to insurance premiums, you know exactly what you’re getting and what it will cost. But what about that awesome pool table in the basement? The current owners are downsizing, so what are the chances that they’ll leave it behind? Transaction Extras…

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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.

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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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