Frequently Asked Questions

What's the first step in buying a home in Texas or Florida as a first-time homebuyer?

The first big step is getting your financial ducks in a row. Things like preparing your credit, gathering your income and ID documents and getting pre-approved.

Preparing your credit ahead of time will get you better terms like less down payment and lower interest rates. Having your documents together will make pre-approval and the entire home-buying journey smooth.

Most pre-approvals can be completed in less than 24 hours so you can move quickly from “thinking about buying a home” to the fun part: touring homes with confidence, making strong offers when you find the right place, and actually enjoy the process of imagining your life in your new home!

Best part is: even if you’re not quite ready to jump in right away, you’ll leave our free conversation with a clear roadmap and specific targets to work toward, so when the time is right, you’ll be ready to move forward with confidence.

Why should I choose HomeLoanSammy over other mortgage lenders?

Because as a wholesale loan officer, I am not tied to one set of loan products or a single bank’s rules. I can shop across a dozen different lenders to find your best fit. Wholesale lenders also operate with less overhead costs than big retail banks, translating to meaningful savings to your bottom line.

When you work with me, you’re getting a wider range of options and flexibility to fit your needs, higher cost savings, clarity to your questions, speed, and communication that doesn’t end at 5 p.m.

At the heart of it, my role isn’t just to get you a loan and send you on your way, it’s to be a trusted guide in your corner for life.

And when the day comes that you’re standing in your new living room holding those keys, I want the process that got you there to feel clear, smooth, and handled the right way.

Do you have first-time home buyer programs or down payment assistance programs?

Yes I do! One of the biggest myths out there is that you need 20% down to buy a home. The truth is, there are fantastic programs designed specifically for first-time buyers that can help you get into a home with a much lower down payment that make the first step a lot easier.

On a personal note, I purchased my first home using a down payment assistance program. It helped me get into a house faster than I expected and started building equity sooner, making it much easier to move up to my next home down the line.

But here’s something unique I offer: while many down payment assistance programs rely on state funding and can run into availability issues, I also have access to a direct investor-funded assistance program. As a result, you get more flexibility and fewer constraints. 

What if I don't have a realtor yet?

Not a problem at all! Many buyers start by talking with a lender first so they understand their budget before they begin house hunting.

If you don’t already have a realtor, I’m happy to connect you with trusted agents throughout Florida who I’ve personally worked with and know will guide you well through the home search.

Having the right team in place makes the entire experience smoother, from first home tour to the day you get your keys!

I am an investor. Do you have options for me?

100%! DSCR loans are a great option for investors and homebuyers seeking to become investors.

With DSCR loans, loan approval is based on the ability of the property’s rent to cover the mortgage payment, not your personal income.

If you’re looking to expand your real estate portfolio, this can be a powerful tool to scale and avoid running into common income caps.

Can I still get a mortgage if I'm self employed or have non-traditional income?

Absolutely and this is actually one of the situations I help with the most.

Many self-employed borrowers assume they can’t qualify because their income on paper is lower than their actual cash flow.

The good news is there are several loan programs designed specifically for this, including options that use bank statements, or alternative documentation instead of tax returns.