Thinking about buying a home?
Find Out What You Can Qualify For, Get Payment Estimates, and More
(No SSN or Credit Check Required for Estimate)
How buying a home with a broker works
Modern Home Lending is a licensed mortgage broker, not a lender. When you buy with us, we shop 40+ lenders from one application and match you to the loan and pricing that fit, with $0 processing or underwriting fees. You get one point of contact and a whole market of options.
It starts with a pre-approval, and that word matters. A pre-qualification is an estimate based on what you tell us. A pre-approval is verified: we review your income, assets, and credit, so sellers and agents know your offer is real. In a competitive market, that difference wins houses.
Which loan fits your purchase?
| Program | A good fit when | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Solid credit and you want mortgage insurance that goes away | The most common choice, up to $832,750 in most areas for 2026 |
| FHA | You want flexible income and credit qualifying | Primary residence only; mortgage insurance included |
| VA | You served and qualify | $0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance |
| Jumbo | The loan is above your area’s conforming limit | Every lender writes its own rules; shopping matters most here |
| Renovation | The right house needs work | One loan covers the home and the improvements |
| Self-employed programs | Your income is business, 1099, or commission | Bank statement and P&L options when tax returns understate you |
Not sure? That is the whole point of a broker. Tell us your situation and we will run the options side by side.
What you’ll need to get pre-approved
Getting your paperwork together up front is the single best way to speed up your close. Here is the short list:
- Last 30 days of pay stubs
- Two years of W-2s (or two years of tax returns if you are self-employed)
- Two months of bank and asset statements
- Government-issued ID
- A gift letter, if part of your funds is a gift
Self-employed? Your list looks a little different, and often lighter than you think. See self-employed options.
What’s the purchase and pre-approval process look like?
- 1Tailored Mortgage Assessment. Apply either over the phone (call us @ 480.598.8700) or click here for our online application
- 2Comprehensive Mortgage Planning & Guidance. We’ll review loan options, payment estimates, and down payment options in different price points so you’re prepared
- 3Strengthen Your Offer with Solid Pre-Approval. Once we collect all your documentation, we’ll send a full pre-approval letter so that way agents and sellers know you’re qualified
- 4Closing in Under 30 Days. Then you start home shopping! Already have a home in mind? Let us help you get pre-approved and run property specific estimates.
Evan has been an astute professional, and a joy to work with. As a first time homebuyer, I was a bit clueless to the process, he guided me through with the utmost professionalism and respect. I would happily recommend him to others to work with for your mortgage needs.
Marcy Hamilton
Home buying FAQs
What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
A pre-qualification is an estimate based on what you tell us. A pre-approval is verified with documents, which is why agents and sellers take it seriously. We help with initial figures and prequalification, and then make sure you have a full pre-approval before shopping.
Does getting pre-approved hurt my credit?
It involves a credit check, but a single mortgage inquiry has a small impact, and multiple mortgage pulls within a short shopping window count as one.
How long does a pre-approval take?
Often same day once we have your documents, and the letter is typically good for a couple of months. If your search runs longer, refreshing it is easy.
Does using a broker cost more?
No. We charge $0 processing or underwriting fees, and because we shop 40+ lenders, most buyers come out ahead on pricing too.
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the program, and there are more low and no down payment paths than most buyers expect, including options for those who served. Ask us and we will map yours out.
Can I get payment estimates before I find a house?
Yes. We will run estimates at different price points so you know your budget before you shop, with no SSN or credit check required for an estimate.
How fast can I close once I’m under contract?
Well under 30 days on average, and in as little as two weeks when the file is ready.