FAQ

Homebuying Basics

Q: What’s the minimum credit score to qualify for a home loan?

Most loan programs require a minimum credit score of 580 for FHA, but a 620 or higher opens the door to Conventional loans with better terms. Some jumbo and non-QM loans may require 680+.

Q: How much do I need for a down payment?

You can buy a home in Houston with as little as 3% down for Conventional loans or 3.5% down for FHA. VA and USDA loans allow 0% down if eligible.

Q: What’s included in my monthly mortgage payment?

Your monthly payment typically includes principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and sometimes mortgage insurance (PMI).

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

Pre-qualification means the borrower’s credit, income, and assets have been reviewed and automated underwriting has been performed and accepted pending verification of the data.  Pre-Approval means that the borrower’s information has been verified and physically reviewed by an underwriter and we have received a conditional approval/commitment from the Lender. 

Houston-Specific Questions

Q: What are the best loan programs for Houston-area buyers?

Many buyers use FHA, VA, or Conventional financing. For investors or self-employed buyers, DSCR and Bank Statement loans are strong options. We also offer Non-QM solutions.

Q: Are there down payment assistance programs in Texas?

Yes… buyers may qualify for programs like TSAHC, the City of Houston HAP, and MCC tax credits. These can reduce cash needed at closing.

Q: How much have home values increased in Houston?

Home prices in Greater Houston have increased ~20% since 2020. The average home price is now around $370,000 as of mid-2025.

Q: What’s the average price range in the Houston market?

We help clients across a range from $250,000 to over $1M. The sweet spot for many of our clients is between $400K and $800K.

Q: Do I need 20% down to buy in Texas?

Not at all. Most of our clients buy with far less… often 3% to 5% down.

Loan Program Questions

Q: What’s the difference between FHA and Conventional loans?

FHA loans are great for lower credit and smaller down payments. Conventional loans reward stronger credit with lower PMI.

Q: Can I buy a home with student loan debt?

Yes. We work with buyers carrying $50K to $150K+ in student loans. We help structure the file around IBR payments, deferments, and proper DTI.

Q: What is a DSCR loan?

Debt Service Coverage Ratio loans are for investors. They qualify based on the property’s income… not your personal income.

Q: What is a Non-QM loan?

Non-Qualified Mortgage loans are flexible options for self-employed or high-net-worth clients. We use assets, bank statements, or P&Ls to qualify.

Q: What’s a 2-1 buydown?

It’s a seller-paid strategy that temporarily lowers your rate for 2 years. Great for affordability.

Self-Employed / Investor Questions

Q: Can I get a mortgage if I’m self-employed?

Absolutely. We offer multiple options including Bank Statement, P&L-only, and traditional full-doc depending on your situation.

Q: What income documents do I need as a business owner?

Depending on the loan, we may use tax returns, bank statements, 1099s, or CPA-prepared P&Ls. We help you prep the file cleanly.

Q: Can I use rental income to qualify?

Yes. We calculate rental income from leases or projected rents. DSCR loans qualify based on property cash flow alone.

Q: What is a bank statement loan?

This program qualifies self-employed buyers using 12-24 months of business or personal bank deposits… no tax returns required.

Refinance & Strategy Questions

Q: Should I refinance now or wait for rates to drop?

It depends on your goals. If you need cash out, want to remove PMI, or shorten your term, now may be the right time.

Q: What’s the “Buy Now, Refi Later” strategy?

You buy the home at today’s price, then refinance when rates improve. The key is setting up the current loan smartly.

Q: Can I remove PMI from my loan?

If you have 20% equity or more, you may be eligible to drop PMI… or refinance into a PMI-free loan. We’ll run the numbers for you.

Q: What is an Annual Mortgage Review?

We offer a yearly checkup to make sure your loan still fits your goals. It’s free and includes a custom refinance or move-up strategy.

For Real Estate Agents

Q: How can you help me close more deals?

We help your buyers win offers with verified pre-approvals, fast closings, and proactive communication.

Q: What’s your pre-approval process like?

We fully document the file upfront and issue strong, underwriter-ready letters. We also call the listing agent to advocate for your client.

Q: Do you call listing agents on behalf of buyers?

Always. That one call makes your buyer’s offer stand out. We explain the strength of the file and build agent confidence.

Q: Can you help me explain buydowns to my sellers?

Yes… we coach you on seller-paid strategies that attract more buyers without reducing price.

Disclaimer

No-guarantee approval disclaimer

All loan approvals, credit score requirements, and down payment minimums vary by lender, loan type, and borrower profile. This is for educational purposes and does not constitute a guarantee of qualification.

Licensing & state disclosure

ProLending Mortgage, LLC (NMLS #262563) is a licensed mortgage broker. Not a direct lender. Loan products and eligibility are subject to lender approval. Not all applicants will qualify.

For anything not covered here, schedule your strategy call by clicking here or call/text Steve directly at 281-701-4521.

This FAQ page will continue to grow… because your questions matter, and we’re here to answer them.