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.

  • Navigating Homeownership: Know Your Needs

    Navigating Homeownership: Know Your Needs

    You may think that the first step to buying a home is to make an offer. While that is an exciting milestone, there are plenty of things you need to consider and do before you are ready to sign on the dotted line. Unlock Your Ideal Home: 4 Steps to Evaluate and Prioritize Your Housing…

  • How to save for a down payment

    How to save for a down payment

    It might seem like it will be costly to purchase a home, and you might think that you will have a considerable down payment. Oftentimes, because people think that they cannot afford their down payment, they’re forced to keep renting. Although you might think that it’s impossible to afford your down payment, it might be…

  • Can I Afford a Mortgage?

    Can I Afford a Mortgage?

    If you’re getting ready to start house shopping, you’ve probably taken a good look at your budget and wondered how much house you can afford. Maybe you’re asking yourself if you can afford a mortgage at all! There are a few factors to consider when deciding if taking out a mortgage to buy a home…

Take the Next Step

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.

Browse
Get Started

Still have questions?

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

Get A Quote