Pick a payment that leaves room for your life
The most you can be approved for and the payment you will feel good about are not the same thing. We start with the second one.
First-time buyers
Buying your first home is a lot. Let’s make it manageable.
You are not supposed to know how mortgage underwriting works. I am. Ask every question you have, and I will slow down anywhere you need me to.
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Ghent sidewalk in morning lightNorfolk, Virginia
The path home
Four things to know before the listings take over your life.
You do not need to memorize any of it. You just need the right answer at the right time.
Get the whole cash number
The down payment is only part of it. We add up closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, deposits, and any assistance so you know the real number before you shop.
Do the homework before you make an offer
A pre-approval should be more than a letter with your name on it. We talk through income, assets, credit, and timing before you are trying to win a house.
Know what happens after yes
Once your offer is accepted, inspection, appraisal, title, insurance, and underwriting all start moving. We tell you what is happening and what we need from you.
What to bring
The first call is not a test.
- Your comfortable monthly-payment range
- Rough income and employment history
- What you have set aside, even if it feels modest
- Your timing and the neighborhoods you are considering
- Every question, especially the one you think is basic
Common questions
These are the questions almost everyone asks.
Do I need 20% down?
No. Plenty of buyers use loan options with much less down. The right amount depends on your finances, the property, and what you want to keep in the bank after closing.
Should I wait until my credit is perfect?
Probably not. Let’s look at it first. You may already have workable options, and if something needs attention, I will tell you which change will actually matter.
Does a pre-approval hurt my credit?
A mortgage credit inquiry may affect your score slightly, but the larger value is knowing your real options before making an offer. We explain the timing before anything is pulled.
How long does buying a home take?
You control how long you shop. Once you are under contract, we work backward from the closing date and give you the dates that matter.
I am buying outside Virginia. Can Anchor still help?
Anchor is powered by My Community Mortgage's national-scale platform. Tell us the property state and we will confirm availability and the appropriate state-licensed MCM team member before loan-specific guidance begins. You still get Anchor's process and accountability.
Not sure where to start?