Verified 5-star reviews, and straight answers to the questions everyone asks.
Real words from real people I've had the privilege of walking home.
"Korbin made our first home purchase so smooth! He kept us informed every step of the way and got us a great rate. Couldn't recommend him enough."
"I refinanced with Korbin and saved hundreds per month. He explained everything clearly and was always available when I had questions. The best in the business."
"As an investor, I need someone who moves fast and knows their stuff. Korbin delivered on both. We closed two investment properties in record time. He's my go-to."
Everything you need to know about the mortgage process — answered honestly.
Pre-approval is typically completed within 24–48 hours once I receive your documents. I've turned some around the same day for clients on a tight timeline. The main factors are income verification, credit, and assets — I'll tell you exactly what I need upfront so there are no surprises.
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on self-reported, unverified information — it's a starting point, not a commitment. Pre-approval involves actually verifying your income, assets, and credit, and carries far more weight with sellers. In competitive markets, sellers often won't consider offers without a solid pre-approval letter. I always recommend going straight to pre-approval.
It depends on the loan type. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down. Conventional loans can go as low as 3% for first-time buyers. VA and USDA loans offer 0% down for eligible borrowers. Putting 20% down lets you avoid PMI, but it's definitely not required. I'll help you find the sweet spot based on your goals and what you have available.
Minimum scores vary by loan type: FHA typically requires 580+, conventional loans usually need 620+, and VA loans have more flexibility. That said, a higher score means better rates and lower costs over the life of the loan. If your score needs some work, I'm happy to walk you through a credit optimization plan before applying — even a small boost can make a real difference.
You'll typically need: 2 years of W-2s or tax returns, recent pay stubs (last 30 days), 2 months of bank statements, a government-issued ID, and info on existing debts or assets. Self-employed borrowers will also need 2 years of business tax returns and a profit & loss statement. I'll send you a personalized checklist once we connect — no guessing.
Absolutely — being self-employed is not a dealbreaker. Lenders typically look at your average net income over the last 2 years of tax returns. With access to 180+ lenders, I specialize in finding the right program for self-employed borrowers, including bank statement loans that use your deposits instead of tax returns if your write-offs have reduced your taxable income.
PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) protects the lender when you put down less than 20% on a conventional loan. It typically costs 0.5–1.5% of your loan amount per year, added to your monthly payment. You can avoid it by putting 20% down, using a VA loan (no PMI ever), or sometimes using a "piggyback" second loan structure. Once you hit 20% equity, you can request cancellation.
The average mortgage closes in 30–45 days from accepted offer to closing day. I've closed loans in as few as 15–21 days when clients are prepared and we're all moving fast. Having your documents ready upfront, responding quickly to requests, and working with a proactive loan officer (that's me) are the biggest factors in a smooth, fast close.