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Fountain Valley Mortgage FAQ
Fountain Valley offers a unique Orange County lifestyle with diverse housing options. Our mortgage broker services help you find the right loan for your home purchase or refinance.
We provide access to over 25 different loan types for every borrower situation. Whether you're a first-time buyer, investor, or self-employed, we have solutions tailored for you.
Our local expertise in Fountain Valley and Orange County ensures smooth transactions. We guide you through every step from pre-approval to closing.
We offer over 25 loan types including Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, and specialized programs. Options include Bank Statement Loans, DSCR Loans, and Foreign National Loans for unique situations.
Qualification depends on credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and down payment. Different loan types have different requirements. We help match you with programs that fit your profile.
A Conventional Loan is not backed by the government and typically requires good credit. Down payments start at 3% for first-time buyers. These loans follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines.
FHA Loans are government-insured and require lower down payments, often just 3.5%. They're ideal for first-time buyers or those with lower credit scores. Mortgage insurance is required.
VA Loans are available to veterans, active military, and eligible spouses. They offer zero down payment and no mortgage insurance. VA Loans typically have competitive rates and flexible credit requirements.
Jumbo Loans exceed conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They're common in Orange County for higher-priced properties. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Bank Statement Loans use bank deposits instead of tax returns for income verification. They're ideal for self-employed borrowers or business owners. Typically 12 or 24 months of statements are reviewed.
DSCR Loans are for investment properties and use rental income for qualification. No personal income verification is needed. The property's cash flow determines loan approval.
Bridge Loans provide short-term financing between buying a new home and selling your current one. They help with timing gaps. Terms typically range from 6 to 12 months.
Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. They include appraisal, title insurance, escrow fees, and lender charges. We provide detailed estimates upfront.
Down payment requirements vary by loan type. Conventional loans can start at 3%, FHA at 3.5%, and VA at 0%. Larger down payments often result in better rates.
Minimum credit scores vary by loan type. FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580. Conventional loans typically require 620 or higher for best terms.
Pre-approval is a lender's commitment to loan you a specific amount. It involves reviewing your finances and credit. Pre-approval strengthens your offer when buying a home.
Most mortgages close in 30 to 45 days. Timeline depends on loan type and documentation completeness. We work efficiently to meet your target closing date.
PMI is Private Mortgage Insurance required on conventional loans with less than 20% down. It protects the lender if you default. PMI can be removed once you reach 20% equity.
Yes, we offer multiple programs for self-employed borrowers. Options include Bank Statement Loans, 1099 Loans, and Profit & Loss Statement Loans. Traditional tax return loans are also available.
1099 Loans use your 1099 income statements for qualification instead of full tax returns. They're designed for independent contractors. This program simplifies documentation for non-W2 earners.
Interest-Only Loans allow you to pay just interest for a set period. Principal payments begin after the interest-only term ends. This option provides initial payment flexibility.
A HELOC lets you borrow against your home's equity as needed. It works like a credit card with a revolving limit. Interest rates are typically variable.
A Home Equity Loan provides a lump sum borrowed against your home's equity. It has fixed rates and set repayment terms. It's ideal for large one-time expenses.
ARMs have interest rates that adjust periodically based on market conditions. Initial rates are often lower than fixed rates. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Asset Depletion Loans use your investment and retirement accounts to qualify. Assets are converted to a monthly income figure. This benefits retirees or those with significant savings.
Foreign National Loans are for non-U.S. citizens purchasing U.S. property. No Social Security number is required. Down payment requirements are typically higher.
ITIN Loans use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of a Social Security number. They're available to non-citizens who pay U.S. taxes. Credit and income requirements still apply.
Hard Money Loans are short-term, asset-based loans for quick funding. They're often used for fix-and-flip projects. Interest rates are higher than traditional mortgages.
Construction Loans provide funding to build a new home or major renovation. Funds are released in stages as construction progresses. They typically convert to permanent mortgages after completion.
Reverse Mortgages allow homeowners 62 and older to convert equity into income. No monthly payments are required while you live in the home. The loan is repaid when you move or pass away.
USDA Loans offer zero down payment for eligible rural and suburban properties. Income limits apply based on household size. Fountain Valley properties typically don't qualify due to location.
Debt-to-income ratio compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. Most lenders prefer ratios below 43% to 50%. Lower ratios improve your qualification chances.
Refinancing makes sense when rates drop or you need cash-out for improvements. Consider closing costs versus savings. We analyze your situation to determine if refinancing benefits you.
A rate lock guarantees your interest rate for a specific period during processing. Locks typically last 30 to 60 days. This protects you from rate increases before closing.
Yes, we offer Investor Loans and DSCR Loans for investment properties. Down payment requirements are typically 15% to 25%. Rental income can help with qualification.
Common documents include pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, bank statements, and ID. Self-employed borrowers may need additional documentation. Requirements vary by loan type and program.
Interest rates are influenced by credit score, loan type, and down payment. Market conditions and Federal Reserve policies also impact rates. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
An appraisal determines your home's market value through professional assessment. Lenders require it to ensure the property value supports the loan. You pay for the appraisal at application.
Portfolio ARMs are adjustable rate mortgages held by the lender, not sold. They offer more flexible underwriting guidelines. These loans suit borrowers who don't fit conventional guidelines.
Yes, many loan programs accept past credit challenges like bankruptcy or foreclosure. Waiting periods vary by loan type and event. We help find programs that fit your situation.
Escrow is a neutral third party that handles funds and documents during closing. They ensure all conditions are met before transferring ownership. Escrow protects both buyer and seller.
Brokers access multiple lenders and loan programs to find your best option. We handle paperwork and negotiations on your behalf. Local knowledge helps navigate Orange County's market efficiently.
Community Mortgages offer flexible qualifying standards for underserved borrowers. They may accept alternative credit and lower down payments. These programs aim to increase homeownership accessibility.
Mortgage financing for independent contractors and freelancers who earn 1099 income instead of traditional W-2 wages.
Mortgage programs that allow borrowers to qualify based on liquid assets rather than traditional employment income.
Non-QM loans that use 12 to 24 months of bank statements to verify income for self-employed borrowers.
Short-term financing that bridges the gap between buying a new property and selling an existing one.
Debt Service Coverage Ratio loans that qualify investors based on a rental property's income rather than personal income.
Mortgage programs designed for non-US citizens and non-permanent residents who want to purchase property in the United States.
Asset-based short-term loans primarily used by real estate investors for property acquisition and renovation projects.
Mortgages that allow borrowers to pay only the interest for an initial period, resulting in lower monthly payments upfront.
Financing solutions tailored for real estate investors purchasing rental properties, fix-and-flip projects, or investment portfolios.
Home loans for borrowers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of a Social Security number.
Adjustable rate mortgages held in a lender's portfolio rather than sold on the secondary market, offering more flexible terms.
Non-QM mortgages that use a CPA-prepared profit and loss statement to verify income for self-employed borrowers.
Home loans with interest rates that adjust periodically based on market conditions after an initial fixed-rate period.
Specialized mortgage programs designed to support homeownership in underserved communities with flexible qualification criteria.
Mortgages that meet the guidelines and loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for secondary market purchase.
Financing for building a new home or making major renovations, typically converting to a permanent mortgage upon completion.
Traditional mortgage financing not backed by a government agency, offering flexible terms and competitive rates for qualified borrowers.
Innovative loan products that leverage projected home equity growth to provide favorable financing terms.
Government-insured mortgages from the Federal Housing Administration with low down payments and flexible credit requirements.
A revolving line of credit secured by your home equity that allows you to borrow funds as needed during a draw period.
A fixed-rate second mortgage that provides a lump sum of cash by borrowing against the equity built in your home.
Mortgages that exceed the conforming loan limits set by the FHFA, designed for financing high-value luxury properties.
Loans for homeowners aged 62 and older that convert home equity into cash without requiring monthly mortgage payments.
Government-backed zero down payment mortgages for eligible rural and suburban homebuyers who meet income limits.
Government-guaranteed mortgages for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses with zero down payment.