Let’s be honest: no one wants to sound uninformed—especially when making one of the biggest financial decisions of their life. But when it comes to mortgages, staying silent can cost you more in the long run.

Whether you’re buying your first home or revisiting the market after a few years, here are answers to the questions many people have—but are too embarrassed to bring up.

Q: Do I really need 20% down to buy a home?

A: Not anymore. While putting 20% down can help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), it's not a requirement for most loan types. Today, you can buy with:

• 3% down (conventional loans for first-time buyers)

• 3.5% down (FHA loans)

• 0% down (VA and USDA loans, if eligible)

What matters most is finding the right balance between your down payment, monthly budget, and long-term goals.

Q: What if I don’t have “perfect” credit?

A: You don’t need a perfect credit score to get a mortgage. Lenders offer options for a wide range of credit profiles. Generally:

• 620+ opens up most conventional options

• 580+ qualifies for FHA loans

• Below 580 may still be possible with compensating factors and larger down payments

Your credit history, income stability, and debt load are just as important. Talk to a lender early—you might qualify even if your score isn’t where you want it to be yet.

Q: What exactly does a mortgage payment include?

A: Your monthly mortgage payment usually includes more than just the loan amount. The full payment typically covers:

• Principal (the loan amount you're paying down)

• Interest (the cost of borrowing)

• Property taxes

• Homeowners insurance

• Private mortgage insurance (if applicable)

• HOA dues (if your home is in a managed community)

This total amount is often referred to as your PITI: Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance.

Q: What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

A: These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean very different things:

• Pre-qualification is a basic estimate based on self-reported information. It’s useful for early planning but not taken seriously by sellers.

• Pre-approval involves submitting financial documents and undergoing a credit check. It’s stronger, more accurate, and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.

If you're actively house hunting, get pre-approved—it gives you a competitive edge.

Q: How long does the mortgage process take?

A: Typically, it takes about 30 to 45 days from application to closing. However, this can vary based on:

• The lender’s timeline

• The type of loan you’re using

• The complexity of your financial situation

• Whether the home appraisal or title search turns up issues

The more prepared and responsive you are with paperwork, the smoother and faster the process will be.

Q: What if I change jobs or make a big purchase while applying?

A: Try not to. Once you’ve been pre-approved or have applied, any major financial changes—like switching jobs, taking on new debt, or making large purchases—can delay or even derail your approval.

It’s best to keep everything stable until after closing. If something unavoidable comes up, let your lender know right away so they can adjust accordingly.

Q: Can I use gift money for the down payment?

A: Yes, but there are rules. Most lenders will allow you to use gifted funds from a close relative (parents, siblings, grandparents) toward your down payment. However:

• You’ll need a signed gift letter stating that the money doesn’t have to be repaid

• The lender may require documentation showing where the funds came from

Always check the guidelines for your specific loan type before transferring any funds.

Q: What are closing costs, and how much should I budget for them?

A: Closing costs are the fees associated with finalizing the home loan. These usually range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount and include:

• Loan origination fees

• Appraisal and inspection fees

• Title insurance and escrow services

• Prepaid property taxes and insurance

You can often negotiate with the seller to cover some of these costs, or apply for down payment assistance programs that help with them.

Q: What if the home I want doesn’t appraise for the full purchase price?

A: If the home appraises for less than what you’ve offered, a few things can happen:

1. You can negotiate with the seller to lower the price.

2. You can pay the difference in cash.

3. You may cancel the deal if your contract includes an appraisal contingency.

This is why an appraisal is a critical part of the home buying process—it protects both you and your lender from overpaying.

Q: When should I refinance my mortgage?

A: You might consider refinancing if:

• Interest rates have dropped significantly since you took out your loan

• Your credit has improved, qualifying you for a better rate

• You want to change your loan term (e.g., from a 30-year to a 15-year)

• You need to tap into home equity for large expenses or debt consolidation

Always calculate the breakeven point—how long it takes for your monthly savings to offset the closing costs—to ensure it’s worth it.

Final Thoughts: Ask Early, Ask Often

There are no “stupid” questions when it comes to a mortgage. In fact, asking the right questions—early and often—can save you thousands of dollars and a whole lot of stress.

If you’re unsure about something, speak up. Whether it’s with a loan officer, a real estate agent, or a financial advisor, clarity leads to confidence. And confident buyers make better long-term decisions.