Mortgage Broker in
the District of Columbia

We offer options designed to fit different needs and financial profiles:

• Conventional & Fixed-Rate Loans: Standard 15-, 20-, and 30-year fixed-rate options for primary homes, second homes, or investment properties.
• Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs): Options offering lower initial interest rates fixed for a set period (typically 3, 5, 7, or 10 years) before adjusting periodically based on market conditions.
• Government-Backed Loans: FHA, VA, and USDA loans featuring low or zero down payment choices for eligible buyers, military service members, and designated rural areas.
• Jumbo Loans: Solutions for higher-value property markets exceeding standard conforming loan limits.
• First-Time Homebuyer & Assistance Programs: Low down payment options and state-specific down payment assistance programs, including special DPA options available through select wholesale lenders alongside official state programs.
• DSCR Programs (Investment Property Loans): Cash-flow loans for real estate investors that qualify using expected rental income.
• Non-QM & Self-Employed Loans: Options for self-employed borrowers, business owners, and retirees qualifying with bank statements, P&L statements, WVOE forms, or asset qualification.
• Commercial Loans: Custom-structured loans for commercial buildings, multi-family properties, and business-owned real estate.
• Refinance & Equity Options: Practical ways to adjust your rate or access cash via Rate-and-Term, Cash-Out Refinance, Streamline Refinances, HELOCs, HELOANs, or Bridge Loans.

Core Underwriting Factors

Lenders evaluate a full financial profile to measure borrowing capacity and loan safety, assessing credit history, gross monthly income, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, employment stability, liquid cash reserves, and down payment savings. Requirements vary significantly based on the property type, occupancy plans, and transaction scope, whether financing a primary rowhome, a multi-family property, a condo, an investment home, or commercial real estate.

W-2 & Salaried Employees

Qualification relies on standard documentation, such as recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns, to establish predictable, recurring earnings.

Self-Employed & Alternative Income Borrowers

Tailored financing solutions evaluate income structure through non-traditional documentation, including 12-to-24-month personal or business bank statements, profit and loss (P&L) statements, or asset depletion models, and more, to align with real personal and business cash flows.

Getting pre-approved upfront helps you know your true borrowing power and establishes a clear budget before you start your home search or make offers.

Credit score expectations depend on the loan program:

• Government-Backed Loans (FHA, VA, USDA): FHA and VA programs allow credit scores starting as low as 580 (or lower with a larger down payment). USDA loans generally look for a 640 score.
• Conventional Loans: Most lenders prefer scores of 620 or higher. Reaching 740+ unlocks lower interest rates and lower private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums.
• CHFA State Programs: Standard D.C. Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) programs generally require a minimum credit score of 620 to 640.
• Non-QM & Jumbo Loans: Guidelines vary based on liquid reserves, income documentation type, down payment size, and specific wholesale lender criteria.
• DSCR Investor Loans: Minimum credit scores range from 600 to 700+, depending on down payment size and property rental cash flow.

Down payment requirements vary based on loan program, occupancy, and borrower profile:

• VA Loans: 0% down payment required for eligible military service members, veterans, and surviving spouses.
• USDA Loans: 0% down payment required for qualifying properties in designated rural zones.
• Conventional Loans (Primary Residence): As little as 3% down for qualified first-time buyers, and 5% down for standard primary home purchases.
• FHA Loans: Minimum 3.5% down payment for primary residences.
• First-Time Homebuyer & Assistance Programs: Low down payment options (3% to 3.5%) that can be paired with DCHFA or HPAP down payment assistance options.
• Second Homes & Vacation Properties: Typically require 10% to 15% or more down.
• DSCR & Investment Property Loans: Typically require 15% to 20%+ down based on property cash flow and investor guidelines.

Yes. The D.C. Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) and the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offer dedicated homebuyer programs that pair primary mortgages with down payment and closing cost assistance:

• DC Open Doors: Offers competitive 30-year fixed-rate conventional or FHA mortgages paired with down payment assistance of up to 3.5% of the purchase price as a non-amortizing loan.

• Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP): Provides interest-free, deferred-payment subordinate loans up to specified district limits to assist low-to-moderate-income first-time buyers with down payment and closing costs.

• Employer Assisted Housing Program (EAHP): Special down payment and matching grant assistance for eligible District government employees.

• DC Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): Allows eligible first-time homebuyers to claim a federal tax credit equal to 20% of their annual mortgage interest paid.

Eligibility depends on household income limits, credit score minimums, property price limits, and completing an approved homebuyer education course.

Closing costs in the District of Columbia usually run between 2% and 4% of the total loan amount, covering appraisals, title and escrow services, recording fees, transfer taxes, and underwriting setup. Under strict federal consumer protection rules, Lock It Mortgage provides an initial Loan Estimate upfront. By law, third-party fees are estimated conservatively high at the start to protect you from unexpected price hikes later. As processing continues and third parties finalize their actual costs, these figures are adjusted, which means your final costs are often lower than the initial estimate. Furthermore, any key updates, such as locking your interest rate or adjusting loan terms, are always re-disclosed to you for review and formal acknowledgment. Everything is balanced and locked in on your final Closing Disclosure so you know your exact cash-to-close well before closing day.

Standard home purchases and refinances typically average 21 to 30 days to complete. Specialized investor loans, Non-QM options, Jumbo loans, or commercial loans may take 30 to 45 days depending on appraisal turn times and documentation collection speed.

Yes. You can choose from a few straightforward options based on your financial goals:

• Rate-and-Term Refinance: Practical ways to adjust your interest rate or loan duration to lower your monthly costs.
• Tap Into Your Home Equity: Access built-up home equity through a Cash-Out Refinance, HELOC, or HELOAN.

Getting started is quick and simple. Choose whichever option works best for you:

• Submit a Pre-Approval Request: Complete our straightforward online pre-approval application directly on our website.
• Request a Free Consultation: Reach out to us through our Contact Us to schedule a one-on-one strategy session.
• Call Us Direct: Speak with a mortgage loan officer today at 888-870-5625.
• Email Our Team: Send your questions or scenarios directly to info@lockitmtg.com.

Once you reach out, our team will review your financial goals, income structure, and credit background to guide you toward the right mortgage for your purchase or refinance.