Find your way home with Luminate lighting the path.
Ready to make your homeownership dreams a reality? We’re here to help you navigate the path to the right mortgage, from start to finish, with expertise, guidance, and a commitment to making the process smooth and clear.
>> Loan Options
We don’t want you to feel like you’re wandering in the dark when it comes to finding the right home loan for you. That’s why we have so many illuminated loan paths for you to go down!
Between loan options for first-time homebuyers or those looking to refinance, it’s our mission to elevate individuals like yourself and help you to unlock your full potential through finances.
> Conventional Loans
A conventional loan might be just what you’re looking for if you have a strong credit score and a down payment ready. This type of mortgage isn’t backed by any government agency, which can make qualifying a bit more challenging, but it also means you may have more flexibility with property choices, fees, and loan structures.
Here are a few ways a conventional loan could work in your favor:
- Downpayment as little as 3% down
- Avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) when you put down 20% or more
- Get rid of mortgage insurance once you reach 20% equity or pay down to 78% of your loan-to-value ratio
- And more!
> FHA Loans
If you’re looking for a loan that’s easier to qualify for and don’t have a large down payment saved, an FHA loan might be right for you. Insured by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are designed to support buyers with moderate incomes or less-than-perfect credit.
Thinking an FHA loan might be the perfect fit? Here’s why:
- Only 3.5% down payment needed
- Higher debt-to-income allowances, meaning you could afford a higher-priced home
- Access to Down Payment Assistance Programs
> VA Loans
If you’re a U.S. veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran, a VA loan could be an incredible option for you. Guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA loans are designed to offer long-term financing for eligible service members and their families.
Here’s how a VA loan could benefit you:
- No down payment required
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- Waived VA Funding Fee if you have at least a 10% disability rating from the VA
- Reduced closing costs
> USDA Loans
Living in a rural area and looking to buy a home with limited upfront costs? A USDA loan, part of the USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan Program, might be a great fit. This option is designed for rural homebuyers who meet certain income limits.
Curious if a USDA loan could work for you? Consider these benefits:
- 0% down payment
- Lower mortgage insurance premiums
- Competitive mortgage rates
- And more!
> Jumbo Loans
Are you interested in buying a high-value property? A jumbo loan could be the solution, offering financing for homes that exceed the limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Since these loans cover more expensive properties, the qualification standards are more stringent.
Here’s why a jumbo loan might be the right choice for you:
- Finance up to 90% of the property with as little as 10% down and no PMI
- Fixed-rate options for 30, 20, and 15 years
- Interest-only and adjustable-rate options
- Acceptable projected income based on a signed job offer or contract if you start within 60 days of closing—ideal for relocation clients
> Reverse Mortgages
If you’re 62 or older and interested in accessing your home’s equity without monthly mortgage payments, a Reverse Mortgage (also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM) could be a perfect fit. This loan option, insured by the FHA, is a great way for eligible homeowners to use their home’s equity as a source of funds.
Here’s why a Reverse Mortgage might be ideal for you:
- Access to a portion of your home’s equity in cash
- No monthly mortgage payments as long as the home remains your primary residence and loan obligations are met
- Flexible disbursement options: choose a lump sum, monthly payments, or a line of credit
- And more!
>> Getting Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an exciting first step in the home-buying journey! Not only does it show sellers that you’re a serious buyer, but it also gives you a clear idea of your budget and financial readiness. To help the pre-approval process go as smoothly and quickly as possible, gather the following essential documents:
- W-2s from the past two years
- 1040 Federal Tax Returns from the past two years (all pages)
- Business tax returns and K-1s (for business owners only)
- Your two most recent pay stubs
- Statements for all assets from the last two months (including checking, savings, money market, retirement accounts, etc.)
- A copy of your driver’s license or passport
Additionally, depending on your situation, we may need some extra documentation, such as:
- Employment offer letter
- School transcripts
- Social Security or pension award letters
- Divorce decree, if applicable
- Bankruptcy papers or short sale documentation
Having these documents ready can save time and make the pre-approval process much simpler for everyone involved! If you have any questions about these requirements or if other documents may apply to your situation, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help every step of the way.
>> Mortgage Calculators
Have you ever been curious about what your monthly mortgage payment might be on a future home? Check out our great mortgage calculator tool to help start the conversation about homeownership!
*This calculator is for informational purposes only and may not be accurate. This is not a loan pre-qualification or pre-approval nor a commitment to lend. Additional fees such as HOA dues or Condo assessments are not included in the calculation. All information such as interest rates, taxes, insurance, PMI payments, etc. are estimates and should be used for comparison only. Contact a financial professional for full details.
>> Blog
We’ve been helping people like you achieve their homeownership dreams for over 25 years.
This is a loan production office of Luminate Bank.
2523 S. Wayzata Blvd. Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55405
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