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Every mortgage is different, but we treat the process the same: with your needs at the center. Our core mortgage options are foundational yet flexible to help you make home happen, on your terms.
Before you start your path to homeownership, plan for it. That means compiling a list of needs and wants, finding a real estate agent you trust, and setting a realistic budget to help you understand what you can afford and where.
Crunch numbers, get quotes.
This website is equipped with easy-to-use mortgage calculators to help you ballpark your budget. Our free rate quote form will put you in touch with one of our loan originators. They’re standing by to answer questions, provide recs, and walk you through the process.
A pre-approval gets you approved for a specific loan amount and comes with a certified pre-approval letter that makes you more attractive to sellers. To get it, we’ll run your credit and review other key financial details. We’ve got your budget covered, first-time home buyers.
Take care of your credit.
Review your credit report and clear up any concerns before submitting it for pre-approval. The better your credit, the better your terms. The better your terms, the more likely you’ll be to seal the deal on your dream home.
Maybe you’ve noted a few “For Sale” signs in the neighborhood. Or maybe you’ve got a bunch of tabs open on your laptop. Either way, you’re now ready to start touring houses. Work closely with your real estate agent and keep that wants-and-needs list at the ready.
Keep an even keel.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of big backyards and open concepts, but it’s important to be mindful of your budget both now and later. Be excited but also be realistic.
So you’ve found your home, put in an offer, and the seller accepted. Congrats! Now it’s time to talk about loan options and rates with a loan originator. We’ll make sure you understand the big picture and the small details. Once your rate is locked and guaranteed, we’ll order an appraisal to make sure you’re getting a good deal on your home.
Love your rate? Lock it.
House hunt taking a little longer than expected? No worries. Rate Protect can help you lock in your rate while you shop. That way, you can focus on your search instead of market fluctuations. Get in touch with your loan originator to find out if you qualify.
The underwriting process starts once your application has been submitted and your loan is locked. Our team of underwriters will analyze your financial details—including credit history, debt-to-income ratio, income, employment, etc.—to help protect you (and us) from unnecessary risk.
Prep your paperwork.
The time it takes to underwrite your loan can vary, but preparing your pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, etc. ahead of time can go a long way in speeding up the process. Your loan originator will let you know everything you need and set you up for success.
Once the seller accepts your offer, your lender will help you to tie up loose ends and finalize all the details. In the meantime, your new home will be appraised and inspected to make sure everything’s up to snuff. After that, you sign closing disclosures and pay closing costs. And after that? Keys.
Set aside 6%.
Remember to set aside a chunk of money to cover your closing costs. You may be able to negotiate some costs or roll them into your monthly mortgage payments but plan to cover up to 6% of your loan’s value (just in case).
One-time close loans are an accessible, attractive option for new home construction because they allow you to bundle the purchase of the land and the labor into one mortgage loan instead of taking on two separate mortgages for each.
When it comes to home financing, simple is better. Conventional loans are our most popular purchase and refinance option for people with awesome credit and no time for unnecessary fees.
Need a mortgage with flexible financial requirements? Insured by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are available to borrowers of all kinds, whether you’re buying a home or refinancing.
Alright. Hand up if the home buying process feels tricky, tiresome, and downright overwhelming. Been there.
That’s why we’ve curated some tips for first-time home buyers to help you learn, understand, and secure home financing with confidence.
Guaranteed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, a VA loan can offer exclusive homeownership benefits for veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses. On behalf of everyone at Cardinal Financial, thank you for your service.
For those looking to plant roots outside of the city and embrace a country lifestyle, a USDA loan can provide 100% financing (thanks to the U.S. Department of Agriculture) and some of the most flexible terms to boot.
High-cost area? High-cost home? If you check either box, you’re in the right place. A jumbo loan can provide more mortgage for those with awesome credit, low debt, and a large down payment ready to go.
