Buying your first home
We explain every step and fee, and show you low down payment options you may qualify for.
See loan options →
Home loans · Purchase & refinance
Get the keys to your next home with a lender who picks up the phone.
We help homebuyers get pre-approved, pick the right loan, and close on time, with one loan officer from your first question to closing day.
First-time buyersLow down payment programs
Pre-approvalShop with a letter in hand
One loan officerStart to closing
After closingWe stay in touch
How we help
Wherever you are in the process, start here.
Getting pre-approved
Know your budget before you tour homes, and make offers sellers take seriously.
How it works →Refinancing your loan
Lower your rate, shorten your term, or use your equity. We'll tell you if it's worth it.
Run refinance numbers →
Refinance savings
If rates drop, what could you save?
Enter your current loan and see what a lower rate would do to your monthly payment. Already closed with us? We'll watch rates for you.
Your payment could drop by
$0
Monthly savings by rate drop
Estimate only. Assumes your new loan pays off on the same date as your current one. Rates depend on credit, equity and the market.
Open the full refinance calculator →Ready to see what you qualify for?
A 15-minute call is all it takes to get started. No cost and no obligation.
Call(832) 600-7132
Loan options
The right loan depends on you, not on what we want to sell.
Here are the loans we help homebuyers with most often, plus non-QM options for self-employed buyers and investors. We'll compare them side by side for your situation on our first call.
Conventional
The most common home loan. A good fit if you have steady income and fair-to-good credit.
- Fixed or adjustable rates
- Mortgage insurance can be removed later
- Primary homes, second homes, rentals
FHA
Government-backed and more flexible on credit. Popular with first-time buyers.
- Lower credit score requirements
- Gift funds allowed for down payment
- Primary residence only
VA
For veterans, active-duty service members and eligible surviving spouses.
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- Competitive rates
- Requires Certificate of Eligibility
USDA
For homes in qualifying rural and suburban areas, with household income limits.
- No down payment required
- Low mortgage insurance
- Location and income rules apply
Jumbo
For higher-priced homes that go beyond the standard loan limits in your county.
- Fixed and adjustable options
- Larger reserves usually required
- Strong credit helps
Refinance
Already own a home? Refinance to lower your rate, shorten your term or tap your equity.
- Rate-and-term refinance
- Cash-out refinance
- We watch rates for past clients
Programs, down payment minimums and eligibility vary and are subject to credit approval and underwriting guidelines.
Common questions
What homebuyers ask us first
Don't see yours? Call us. We'd rather answer it now than have you guess.
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the loan. Conventional loans start at 3% for many buyers, FHA at 3.5%, and VA and USDA loans can require nothing down. You'll also want money set aside for closing costs.
What credit score do I need?
Many conventional loans start around 620, and FHA can work with lower scores. Your score also affects your rate, so we'll look at ways to improve it if you have time before buying.
What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on what you tell us. Pre-approval means we've reviewed your credit, income and assets. Sellers take a pre-approval letter much more seriously.
What is a non-QM loan, and is it right for me?
A non-QM loan doesn't follow the standard federal "qualified mortgage" rules, so the lender can look at your income in other ways, like bank deposits or rental income. If you're self-employed or investing and your tax returns show less than you actually earn, it can be the difference between a yes and a no. We'll compare it with conventional options first.
How long does it take to close?
Most purchase loans close in 30 to 45 days after your offer is accepted. Having your documents ready early is the best way to keep things on schedule.
Calculators
Run your numbers.
Change any field and the results update right away. When you're ready, copy your numbers and send them to us for a real quote.
Estimated monthly payment
$0
Where your payment goes
Loan amount–
Down payment–
Total interest–
Paid off by–
Loan balance over time
Hover or use arrow keys to see principal and interest paid by year.
Show yearly schedule
Compare scenarios
Save up to four versions (different prices, loan types or down payments) and see them side by side. Saved on this device only.
You could afford a home around
$0
Loan amount–
Monthly payment–
Down payment–
Debt-to-income–
Your monthly income
Debt-to-income
Lenders compare your total monthly debts, including the new house payment, to your gross monthly income.
Monthly savings
$0
Current payment–
New payment–
Break-even–
Lifetime cost difference–
Net savings over 10 years
Monthly savings added up, minus closing costs. Where the line crosses zero, the refinance has paid for itself.
You'd save in interest
$0
Regular payment–
Paid off in–
Time saved–
Total interest–
Loan balance: regular vs. with extra payments
Regular scheduleWith extra payments
These calculators give estimates only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. FHA, VA and USDA fees use common program figures and may change. Your actual rate, payment and costs depend on your credit, the property and program guidelines.
How it works
From first call to closing table, in six steps.
Every purchase is a little different, but this is the path most of our homebuyers take.
- Day 1
Intro call
We talk about your goals, your budget and your timeline. You'll leave the call knowing which loans fit and roughly what you can afford.
- 1–3 days
Pre-approval
Send us your pay stubs, W-2s and bank statements. We review your credit and issue a pre-approval letter you can shop with.
- Your timeline
Find a home and make an offer
Work with your real estate agent to find the right home. We update your letter for each offer and talk with your agent when it helps.
- Within 3 days of contract
Loan application and Loan Estimate
Once your offer is accepted, we lock your rate when you're ready and send your Loan Estimate. We go over every fee with you.
- About 2–4 weeks
Appraisal and underwriting
An appraiser values the home and underwriting reviews your file. If they need anything else, we tell you exactly what and why.
- Closing day
Clear to close and keys
You get your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. Sign, fund, and get your keys.
What to have ready
- Last 30 days of pay stubs
- W-2s for the last two years (tax returns if self-employed)
- Two months of bank and asset statements
- Photo ID
- Info on any gift funds for your down payment
After you close
We keep helping once you move in.
We'll remind you to file your homestead exemption, help you find local services like electric and internet, and check in when your insurance renews or rates drop.
About MG Financial
A local mortgage team for people buying a home.
We started MG Financial because buying a home shouldn't feel like guesswork. Our job is to explain your options in plain language, keep you updated, and get you to the closing table on time.
Most of our business comes from referrals: past clients, their friends and family, and the real estate agents who send buyers our way. We earn that by answering the phone, returning emails the same day, and staying in touch long after closing.
Our promise
You'll always know where your loan stands, what comes next, and who to call.
The MG Financial teamWhy homebuyers choose us
Buying a home is a big decision. Your lender should make it simpler.
- Clear numbers up front. We walk you through your Loan Estimate line by line, so closing costs never surprise you.
- Pre-approvals sellers trust. We review your income and assets before you make an offer, so your offer is stronger.
- Updates without chasing. You hear from us at every milestone: appraisal, underwriting, clear to close.
- Help after the move. Homestead exemption filing, utility setup, insurance renewals. We keep helping once you have the keys.
First-time buyers
We explain every step, every form and every fee, and point you to down payment help you may qualify for.
Move-up buyers
Selling and buying at the same time? We'll plan the timing so you aren't stuck with two payments.
Real estate partners
Fast pre-approvals, straight answers and on-time closings that keep your deals together.
Contact
Call or text. We answer.
Tell us where you are in your home search. We'll get back to you the same business day, usually within the hour.
Phone(832) 600-7132
When you reach out, it helps to mention
- Whether you're buying or refinancing
- Your target price range and area
- When you'd like to move