Mortgage & Financing Resources

    Understanding your financing options is the first step toward buying with confidence.

    Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, investing, or building new — I'll connect you with trusted local lending professionals who can answer your questions and guide you to the right loan.

    Financing consultation
    Pre-Approval
    First step to a stronger offer
    Down Payment Assistance
    Programs may be available
    Local Lenders
    Trusted Treasure Coast professionals
    New home celebration
    Both Sides of the Deal

    Real Estate Strategy That Considers the Financing.

    A successful purchase is not only about finding the right home, it is also about understanding how the financing can affect your budget, offer, appraisal, timeline, and ability to close. My experience on both the real estate and mortgage sides allows me to help you see the full picture, ask better questions, and prepare for potential challenges before they become costly problems.

    Through my relationships with trusted local lending professionals, I can connect you with experts who understand the Treasure Coast market and offer financing options for first-time buyers, investors, new construction, and more.

    You will never be left trying to connect the pieces on your own. I help bring the right professionals together so you can move forward with a clearer plan, stronger preparation, and greater confidence.

    Loan Programs

    There's a loan program for every situation.

    My trusted lending partners will help determine which program fits your needs. Here's a quick overview of what may be available to you.

    Conventional Loans

    Available with as little as 3–5% down for qualified buyers. Competitive rates and flexible terms for primary homes, second homes, and investment properties.

    FHA Loans

    Federally backed loans with lower down payment requirements — as low as 3.5%. A popular option for first-time buyers or those with less-than-perfect credit.

    VA Loans

    Available to eligible veterans and surviving spouses. Purchase up to 100% of your home's value with no money down and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).

    USDA Loans

    For qualified buyers purchasing in designated rural areas. Offers up to 100% financing with no down payment required and flexible credit guidelines.

    DSCR Loans

    Designed for real estate investors. Qualification is based on the property's rental income potential rather than personal income — ideal for growing a portfolio.

    New Construction Loans

    Financing tailored to new builds — covering the construction phase and converting to a permanent mortgage at closing. Available for primary homes and investment properties.

    Loan availability, rates, and terms vary by lender and borrower qualification. Contact a licensed lending professional for details specific to your situation.

    Trusted Lending Partner

    Meet the lending professional I trust with my clients.

    I work closely with Dominic Castoro, Branch Manager at American Financial Network, Inc. — a trusted mortgage professional serving the Treasure Coast with competitive rates, multiple loan programs, and a commitment to making the financing process as smooth as possible.

    Whether you're a first-time buyer, relocating, or expanding an investment portfolio, Dominic and his team will take the time to understand your situation and help you find the right loan.

    Dominic Castoro
    Financing Services

    Dominic Castoro

    Branch Manager · NMLS# 2231165
    📞 772-214-7177
    ✉️ dcastoro@afncorp.com
    📍 850 NW Federal Highway Suite 121 Stuart, FL 34994
    American Financial Network

    Branch NMLS# 1579237. American Financial Network, Inc. is licensed by the Florida Mortgage Lender Servicer License #MLD891. NMLS ID #237341. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Not all applicants qualify. American Financial Network, Inc. is not affiliated with Dale Sorensen Real Estate and Yesenia 'Jessy' Carrasco. Consumers are not obligated to use both or either party.

    Treasure Coast neighborhood
    Getting Started

    How the pre-approval process works.

    A pre-approval puts you in a stronger position before you ever make an offer. Here's what to expect.

    1

    Connect With a Lender

    I'll introduce you to a trusted local lending professional who will walk you through your options and start the process.

    2

    Submit Your Application

    Your lender will collect basic financial information — income, assets, employment, and credit history.

    3

    Credit & Income Review

    The lender reviews your full financial picture to determine how much you qualify for and which loan programs fit your situation.

    4

    Receive Your Pre-Approval Letter

    Once approved, you'll receive a pre-approval letter — your ticket to making competitive offers with confidence.

    5

    Start Your Search

    Now that you know your budget, we can focus your home search on properties that truly fit — and move fast when the right one comes up.

    A pre-approval is not a commitment to lend and is subject to satisfactory appraisal, title, and no material changes to borrower's financial condition.

    Be Prepared

    Documents you'll typically need for your loan application.

    Gathering these documents in advance will help your lender move quickly and keep your timeline on track. Every situation is different — your lending partner will confirm exactly what's needed for your specific loan.

    W-2s from all employers (past 2 years)
    Paycheck stubs (past 30 days)
    Federal tax returns — complete, all pages (past 2 years)
    Bank statements — complete (past 2 months)
    Retirement / 401(k) statements
    Additional bank statements (IRAs, CDs, investment accounts)
    Driver's license (all applicants)
    For purchases: signed purchase contract
    For purchases: copy of canceled earnest money deposit check

    Documents may vary based on loan type and lender requirements.

    Protect Your Loan

    Things to do — and avoid — during the loan process.

    Small decisions during the loan process can have big consequences. Keep these tips in mind from pre-approval to closing.

    Things To Do

    Continue making your mortgage or rent payments and stay current on all existing accounts
    Continue living at your current residence
    Be prepared to source all deposits
    Ask your loan officer before making any financial decisions during the process
    Alert your lender if your salary or compensation changes from what's on your loan application
    Check your credit report at least once a year

    Things To Avoid

    Don't apply, open, or close any credit card accounts or bank accounts
    Don't make any major purchases (car, appliance, furniture, etc.)
    Don't transfer balances from one account to another
    Don't share your credit details with anyone unless you initiate the transaction
    Don't run your credit before asking your loan officer first
    Don't quit your job
    Know the Terms

    Mortgage terms and what they mean.

    Real estate has its own language. Here are the terms you'll hear most often during the financing process.

    Amortization

    The gradual repayment of a mortgage loan, both principal and interest, by installments over time.

    Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

    The total cost of credit expressed as a yearly rate, including interest, mortgage insurance, and loan origination fees. Use this to compare loans — but note it differs from the actual note rate.

    Closing Costs

    Expenses over and above the purchase price incurred by buyers and sellers when transferring property ownership. Typically includes origination fees, property taxes, title insurance, and escrow costs.

    Down Payment

    The portion of the purchase price paid in cash, not financed through a mortgage.

    Equity

    The difference between the fair market value of your property and the amount still owed on the mortgage.

    Escrow

    Funds or documents held by a third party and released upon fulfillment of specific conditions — such as the disbursement of funds at the closing of a real estate sale.

    Loan-to-Value (LTV)

    The ratio of your mortgage balance to the appraised value of the property. Example: an $80,000 mortgage on a $100,000 home = 80% LTV.

    Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP)

    The amount paid by a borrower for mortgage insurance, typically required on FHA loans.

    Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

    Insurance required by most lenders when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%, protecting the lender if the borrower defaults.

    Rate Lock

    A lender's commitment to guarantee a specific interest rate and terms for a defined period of time.

    Principal, Interest, Taxes & Insurance (PITI)

    The four components of a monthly mortgage payment. Together, these make up your total monthly housing cost.

    Pre-Approval

    A detailed review of your income, assets, and credit by a mortgage underwriter — giving you a clear budget and a stronger position when making an offer.

    Take the First Step

    Ready to explore your financing options?

    Fill out the form and I'll personally connect you with a trusted local lending professional who can answer your questions and walk you through your options — with no pressure and no obligation.

    • Free, no-obligation introduction
    • Trusted local lending professionals
    • Response within 24 hours