No. You don't have to save for a 20% down payment. You can put down as little as 3.5% with FHA loans, or even no money at all with a DPA, VA and USDA loans. Plus, with Private Mortgage Insurance, you can buy a home without the full 20% down. You've got choices, no matter your situation.

No. Pre-qualification and pre-approval are not the same. Pre-qualification is a lender's initial assessment that you might be able to get a loan based on your finances. Pre-approval is a more formal promise from a lender to give you a mortgage based on a thorough check of your financial background.

A bank is a direct lender that provides you with the mortgage funds, whereas a mortgage broker acts as an intermediary, offering you loan options from various lenders. Working with a mortgage broker offers numerous benefits. They provide valuable assistance early in the homebuying process, helping you gather necessary documents and answering your loan-related questions. A broker's access to a variety of loans means they can tailor options to your specific needs, even if you're looking for less common mortgage types or have unique circumstances such as a thin credit file. They offer customized support, going over loan options and aiding in informed decision-making. Plus, the convenience factor is significant; brokers handle the paperwork and communication with lenders, streamlining the process and saving you time and stress.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is insurance that you might have to pay if your down payment is less than 20% of your home's price when you buy it, or if you owe more than 80% of your home's value when refinancing. It's a protection for the bank or lender, not you, in case you can't pay your mortgage anymore.

Yes! Your mortgage advisor can guide you in picking the best options to get money from your home's value before you pay off your mortgage fully. This money can be used for home renovations, paying for college, or planning for long-term care, among other things. Have a chat with your mortgage advisor to learn how you can tap into your home's equity for these expenses.