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.

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VI

The timeline

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

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Learning Center

Know before you borrow.

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

  • What Happens After You’re Pre-approved For A Mortgage?

    What Happens After You’re Pre-approved For A Mortgage?

    What Happens After You’re Pre-Approved For A Mortgage — Pre-approval is a gate, not a commitment.

  • Understanding the Cost of Waiting to Buy a Home

    Understanding the Cost of Waiting to Buy a Home

    Waiting Can Feel Safe—But It Often Comes at a Cost For many potential homebuyers, waiting until prices drop or conditions feel favorable seems like the safe move. But while waiting might seem like the cautious choice, it can actually cost more in the long run. Real estate is one of the few investments where time…

  • Smart Ways to Start Saving for a Down Payment

    Smart Ways to Start Saving for a Down Payment

    Planning for Your Future Home Saving for a down payment is one of the most important—and often most intimidating—steps in the homebuying journey. Whether you’re planning to buy in the next year or simply getting started, a thoughtful savings strategy can make the process much more manageable. The good news? You don’t need to come…

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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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