Question 1

What is a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

A mortgage is a loan specifically used to purchase real estate. The property serves as collateral for the loan, and you make monthly payments over a set period (typically 15-30 years) until the loan is fully repaid.

Question 2

What loan types and scenarios can HyperSmart handle?

Accepted Answer

From asset-rich retirees to business owners, tech-entrepreneurs, entertainers, investors, doctors, lawyers, first-time homeowners, HyperSmart is equipped to handle all loan types as our loan advisors build a targeted and streamlined solution for your scenario.

Question 3

What is the difference between a conventional loan and a jumbo loan?

Accepted Answer

A jumbo loan is a mortgage that exceeds the conventional loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are both government-sponsored enterprises chartered by Congress to stimulate homeownership and provide liquidity to the mortgage market established in 1938 and 1970 respectively. They set the rules and ultimately hold all conventional loans.

The current loan limits vary by location and county. In 2025, many of the larger counties have the loan limit of $806,500. Our mortgage advisors will review your specific scenario for loan limits as part of your consultation.

Question 4

How much of a down payment do I need?

Accepted Answer

Down payment requirements vary by loan type. Conventional loans typically require 3-20% down, FHA loans can require as little as 3.5%, VA loans may require 0% down for eligible veterans, and USDA loans can also offer 0% down for eligible rural properties.

Question 5

Do all mortgage loans require tax returns and paystubs for income qualification?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Many of our loan products are tailored for these scenarios and do not require tax returns or paystubs. This includes jumbo loans for primary use, second home, and investor properties. We even has investor loan products with no income qualification at all.

Question 6

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

Accepted Answer

Credit score requirements vary by loan type. FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580 (or 500 with a larger down payment), conventional loans typically require 620 or higher, and VA loans are more flexible. However, higher credit scores generally result in better interest rates.

Question 7

Do all mortgage loans require perfect credit?

Accepted Answer

We have loan products that do not require credit scores. In fact, Fannie Mae issued Bulletin SEL-2025-09 on November 5, 2025 that "the minimum representative credit score requirement of 620 will be removed for new loan casefiles created on or after Nov. 16, 2025...."

Many self-employed, professional, and traditional clients incur life circumstances that may impact their credit such as divorce, business separation, natural disasters, and medical issues. These unique events are often short term but cause long term issues on credit profiles. We understand these life events which is why our tenured mortgage advisors build creative financing solutions to limit barriers in the home financing process.

Question 8

What is pre-approval and why do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Pre-approval is a lender's commitment to lend you a specific amount based on a thorough review of your financial situation. It shows sellers you're a serious buyer, helps you understand your budget, and can speed up the closing process once you find a home.

Question 9

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Typical documents include: recent pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns (last 2 years), bank statements (last 2-3 months), proof of other income, employment verification, identification (driver's license or passport), and information about debts and assets.

Question 10

What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

Accepted Answer

Pre-qualification is an estimate of how much you might be able to borrow based on self-reported information. Pre-approval is a more formal process where a lender verifies your financial information and provides a conditional commitment for a specific loan amount.

Question 11

What is a Non-QM loan?

Accepted Answer

A Non-QM loan, or a non-qualified mortgage, is a type of mortgage loan that allows you to qualify based on alternative methods, instead of the traditional income verification required for most loans. Non-QM loan examples include using bank statements, CPA prepared P&Ls or using your assets as income.
These programs are ideal for self-employed individuals, real estate investors seeking DSCR loans for rental properties, or clients interested in unique properties that fall outside of traditional parameters. For those with non-traditional income or complex financial profiles, Non-QM loans offer a path to homeownership without the rigid requirements of conventional financing.

Question 12

How long does the mortgage process take?

Accepted Answer

The typical mortgage process takes 30-45 days from application to closing. This timeline can vary based on the loan type, property type, required documentation, and whether you're pre-approved. Some lenders offer expedited processes that can close in as little as 2-3 weeks.

Question 13

What are closing costs?

Accepted Answer

Closing costs are fees charged by lenders and third parties to process and close your mortgage. They typically range from 2-5% of the loan amount and include appraisal fees, title insurance, origination fees, recording fees, and prepaid items like property taxes and homeowners insurance.

Question 14

Should I get a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage?

Accepted Answer

A fixed-rate mortgage has the same interest rate for the entire loan term, providing payment stability. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has a rate that can change after an initial fixed period, potentially offering lower initial rates but with some uncertainty. Your choice depends on how long you plan to stay in the home and your risk tolerance.

Question 15

Can I buy a home if I'm self-employed?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Self-employed borrowers can qualify for mortgages, though the documentation requirements may be different. You'll typically need to provide 2 years of tax returns, profit and loss statements, and possibly additional documentation to verify your income stability.

Angie Hutchison

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