Big questions.Simple answers.

Over 20 years. In that time I’ve helped first‑time buyers, families moving up, investors and homeowners refinancing, across nearly every loan scenario you can think of.

Florida. I’m licensed throughout the state, NMLS 366447, with Premier Financial Group of Florida, LLC, NMLS 1318440.

Yes. We work with clients in English and Spanish every day. For other languages, we can use translation tools to make sure you understand every step.

Two big differences. First, we’re local, so you can actually meet me in person, which matters when you’re making the biggest purchase of your life. Second, a bank can only offer its own programs. As a mortgage broker, we work with a variety of lenders, so we have loan programs for almost every scenario, and we compare terms and rates across them to find the best fit for you.

We usually reply within hours, and yes, answering on evenings and weekends is part of the job. Homes don’t wait for Monday.

All three. I prefer meeting in person, because I like to put a face to the voice, and this is most likely your largest purchase. If that doesn’t work for you, we can easily schedule a phone or video call.

Mostly Miami‑Dade and Broward. Because I’m licensed throughout Florida, helping clients in Tampa, Orlando, Naples or Jacksonville is completely normal too.

The first step is a quick intro conversation so I can understand your situation and goals. From there, pre‑approvals usually come back within 24 hours once we have your documents.

Not with PREMIER. We pre-approve you with one soft credit check, which doesn't affect your credit score and isn't visible to other lenders. Every mortgage, including Non-QM loans, does require a full (hard) credit check before the loan is submitted to a lender. We run it only after you have a signed purchase contract and are ready to move forward, and we tell you before we do. That way your credit gets one full check, when it counts, not every time you look at homes.

A pre‑qualification is a quick estimate of what you might borrow, based on information you tell us without verifying it. A pre‑approval is a formal review of your verified finances, and it shows sellers you’re a serious, qualified buyer.

Usually about 21 days. Some things outside the loan itself can affect timing, like the property’s title, repairs or the appraisal, and we keep you updated on all of it.

Every program has its own guidelines. For conventional loans, Fannie Mae no longer sets a fixed minimum score for loans approved through its automated underwriting (since November 2025); manually underwritten loans still have a minimum, and many lenders set their own, often around 620. FHA is generally around 580. VA has no official minimum, and some lenders go as low as 560. Your full picture matters too, so talk to me even if you’re close.

It depends on the loan program. As of October 2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac accept either Classic FICO or VantageScore 4.0 for conventional loans, and VA loans accept both. FHA loans and manually underwritten conventional loans still use FICO. PREMIER can review both, and when the loan program and lender allow it, we use the model that works better for you. Everyone on the same loan is scored with the same model. The score in your credit app may not be the one a mortgage lender uses, so ask us before you decide where you stand.

Less than most people think, and you don’t always need a big down payment. VA loans offer no down payment for eligible veterans and service members, subject to VA and lender guidelines. FHA is known for a low down payment, and conventional loans have low‑down‑payment options too. Down‑payment assistance programs can lower what you bring to closing even further, based on eligibility and available funds. I’ll show you exactly what applies to you.

Yes. Gift funds can be used toward the down payment on a primary home, a second home and, with some loan programs, even an investment property.

Yes, and we have flexible self‑employed programs. The most common options qualify you with bank statements or your company’s profit‑and‑loss statement, and tax returns can be used too. Some programs don’t require income documents at all, but they need a larger down payment. It all depends on the program and your eligibility.

Yes. A new or recent job can work. In some cases your education can even count as job history. For example, if you just graduated with an accounting degree and were hired as an accountant, your schooling can count in place of prior work experience.

Yes. We offer ITIN loans and programs for non‑U.S. citizens, including permanent residents and work‑visa holders, some with minimal documentation and a streamlined process.

Yes. The waiting period depends on the loan program and your down payment. FHA and conventional loans generally require about a two‑year wait, while some alternative programs have much shorter waiting periods. Contact me and I’ll tell you what applies to your situation.

FHA, VA, conventional, jumbo, DSCR and investor loans, bank‑statement and profit‑and‑loss loans, ITIN loans, and more. We also offer physician (doctor) loans for eligible medical professionals, and HELOCs for primary homes, second homes and investment properties. Physician loan programs can go well above the conforming limit, and some offer low or no down payment. Some lenders offer loan amounts up to $2.5 million, depending on credit score, debt‑to‑income ratio and other guidelines (as of October 2026).

Yes. We work with down‑payment assistance programs, most commonly Florida’s Hometown Heroes program. Every program is based on eligibility and available funds, so ask me what you may qualify for.

Yes, including non‑warrantable condos. Condo guidelines change often, especially in Florida, so reach out and I’ll check the specific building for you.

Yes, both, including DSCR loans that qualify based on the property’s rental income.

There’s no single rule of thumb. It depends on your goals, like lowering your payment, consolidating debt, freeing up cash for investments or improving monthly cash flow. I’ll run the numbers with you and tell you honestly if it makes sense.

Yes, several types, whether you want to consolidate debt, renovate or invest, and I’ll give you a realistic timeline up front. We also offer HELOCs, which let you borrow against your equity and keep your current first mortgage. Some lenders use an automated home value instead of a full appraisal, which can shorten the timeline. On your primary home, funds are released after a 3‑business‑day right to cancel.

Yes. Both generally require about six months of payments on your current loan, and we can start the process as early as month five.

Closing costs vary a lot depending on the loan program, occupancy, credit score, property taxes, title fees, HOA, homeowners insurance and flood insurance. That’s not a way to dodge the question. It’s the honest answer, and it’s why I’ll give you a real estimate for your situation.

Yes. Seller concessions typically range from 3% to 9% of the price, depending on the loan program, your down payment and how you’ll use the property.

Of course. I love staying in touch with past clients, keeping an eye out for ways to save you money and helping with whatever comes next.

Don’t rule yourself out too early. Many buyers think they need a big down payment, a 740 credit score or perfect tax returns, or they don’t know that gift funds and seller credits can help. Talk to a loan advisor who offers a wide range of programs, not just the bank where you do your everyday banking.