Working with an independent mortgage broker means having someone in your corner who looks at your whole financial picture, rather than just trying to sell you one bank's specific loan product. At Lock It Mortgage, we guide you every step of the way:

• Personalized Guidance: We build a mortgage strategy structured around your personal goals and budget.
• More Loan Choices: Because we shop across multiple top wholesale lenders for you, you get competitive rates and program choices you won't find at a single standard bank.
• Full Team Support: An experienced loan advisor and a dedicated loan processor work side-by-side with you from start to finish, so you never feel left in the dark.

Because we are an independent broker connected to top wholesale lenders nationwide, we offer a comprehensive menu of loan solutions:

• Conventional Loans: Standard home purchase options with flexible terms and competitive rates for qualified buyers.
• Government-Backed Loans (FHA, VA, USDA): Flexible financing featuring low or zero down payment choices for eligible homebuyers, military veterans, and rural properties.
• First-Time Homebuyer Programs: Low down payment choices and available down payment assistance programs (based on eligibility and state).
• Refinance Options (Rate-and-Term): Compare current rates to lower your monthly payment or shorten your loan term with optimal costs.
• Home Equity Solutions (Cash-Out, HELOC, HELOAN): Tap into your built-up equity to secure funds for reinvestment, business capital, home improvements, or personal goals.
• DSCR Investment Loans: Cash-flow financing solutions designed for real estate investors to qualify based on property rental income rather than personal tax returns.
• Non-QM Home Loans: Specialized financing built for self-employed individuals, business owners, and complex income profiles using alternative income documentation (like bank statements).
• Jumbo Loans: Competitive financing designed for high-value and luxury residential properties.
• Commercial Loans: Solutions built for commercial real estate, multi-family properties, and business-owned real estate.

Eligibility depends on factors such as your credit score, income, down payment, debt-to-income ratio, and property type. Because we operate as a broker across 45+ states, we have access to flexible guidelines that allow us to qualify a wide variety of borrowers—from first-time buyers with low down payments to self-employed individuals and seasoned investors.

Our process is designed to keep things simple, transparent, and hassle-free:

• Application & Pre-Approval: We collect basic details, complete a quick soft credit check, and determine your purchasing or refinancing power.
• Processing & Underwriting: Your loan advisor and loan processor team up to gather only necessary documents, clear conditions, and manage your file with wholesale underwriters.
• Approval, Closing & Funding: Once your loan reaches Clear-to-Close status, you sign your final paperwork, and funds are wired to complete your purchase or refinance.

On average, we close purchase and refinance loans in 2 to 4 weeks. Your exact timeline depends on the loan program and how quickly your documents are provided. Our loan advisors and processors work hand-in-hand to eliminate delays and get your loan funded smoothly.

Traditional banks can only offer their own limited in-house products and rates. At Lock It Mortgage:

• We Shop For You: We compare rates and terms across top wholesale lenders to find the best fit for your situation.
• Nationwide Reach: We are licensed in 45+ states, giving you big-picture market options with friendly, personalized service.
• Smooth Teamwork: Your loan advisor and processor work directly together to keep your paperwork light and your approval moving fast.

Not when you start with us. We begin with a soft credit check, which lets us give you accurate rate quotes without affecting your credit score at all.

When you find a home and are ready to finalize your loan, a hard credit check is needed. Even then, credit rules give you a rate-shopping window (usually 14 to 45 days), meaning multiple mortgage checks during this time only count as one single pull on your report.

Yes, absolutely. Standard banks often say "no" if a file doesn't fit their exact rules. Because we are a broker, we have access to flexible wholesale programs designed for self-employed borrowers, people rebuilding their credit, or anyone with non-traditional income.

The earlier, the better - ideally 1 to 3 months before you plan to buy or refinance. Reaching out early gives us time to review your setup, help fix any credit errors, and build a solid plan so you can shop for a home with complete confidence.