Learning Center
Answers to the questions buyers and homeowners ask me most, organized by where you are in the process. Each one points to the page or tool that covers it in detail.
Justin Lazzaro, NMLS #1229453 | Reasy Financial, LLC, NMLS #2446155 | Licensed in Arizona, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas
New in the Learning Center
The newest guide and this week's market update, each with the source for every rule and figure.
Can I include repair costs in my FHA loan?
How FHA's Limited 203(k) lets you finance repairs and improvements in the loan you use to buy the home.
What moved mortgage rates this week?
My weekly update explains the news behind the direction of mortgage rates, with a source for every figure.
Getting ready to buy
Start here if you are months away from buying or just beginning to look.
How much home can I afford?
Your price range comes from your income, your monthly debts, and the cash you have for a down payment and closing costs. The affordability calculator gives you a starting range in about a minute.
What does prequalified mean?
A prequalification is a first review of your income, assets, and credit. It tells you what to shop for. It is not a loan approval or a commitment to lend.
Is there help for first-time buyers?
Often, yes. Several loan programs and down payment assistance options are built for buyers who have not owned a home in the past three years.
Choosing a loan
The right program depends on your credit, your down payment, the property, and how you earn your income.
Conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA?
Each one treats credit, down payment, and mortgage insurance differently. The loan options page groups every program I offer, and each program page has a side-by-side comparison.
What if I am self-employed?
Tax returns often understate what a business owner earns. Bank statement, 1099, and profit and loss programs document income another way.
Can the seller lower my payment?
A seller credit can fund a temporary buydown, which lowers your payment in the early years of the loan. It is one of several ways to use that money.
Moving up, investing, or building
Guides for buyers who already own a home or are adding a property.
Can I buy before I sell?
Yes, in several ways: a bridge loan, a buy-before-you-sell program, or a credit line opened before you list. Each has a different cost and a different risk.
How do investors qualify?
Some investment loans use your personal income. DSCR loans qualify on the rent the property brings in. The right one depends on your tax returns and your plans.
Should I build or renovate?
Construction loans fund a new build in stages. Renovation loans roll the purchase and the repairs into one mortgage. Both take more planning than a standard purchase.
Already own a home
Questions homeowners ask about their loan, their equity, and their options.
When does a refinance make sense?
When the savings repay the closing costs well before you expect to sell or refinance again, or when it removes mortgage insurance or a risky loan feature.
Cash-out refinance or HELOC?
A cash-out refinance replaces your first mortgage. A HELOC or second mortgage leaves it alone. Which one costs less depends on the rate you have today.
What is my home worth?
An online estimate is a starting point, not an appraisal. It is still useful for judging how much equity you may have to work with.
Ready to talk it through?
Pick a time that works for you. We'll go over your goals and next steps, no pressure, just a conversation. Prefer to call or text instead? Reach me directly at (412) 638-4982, or book a quick Zoom if that's easier.
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Licensing
Justin Lazzaro, NMLS #1229453
Reasy Financial, LLC, Company NMLS #2446155
AZ Mortgage Banker License BK #2012302
FL Mortgage Broker License MBR6883
PA Mortgage Broker License 107748
TX Mortgage Company License 2446155
Licensed in Arizona (LO-2001846), Florida (LO71883), Pennsylvania (73668), and Texas
Contact
14100 N 83rd Ave, Suite B-230
Peoria, AZ 85381
