A LITTLE PREPARATION
Good Information.
Better Questions.
Practical guides to help you prepare, compare costs and choose the next step.
Buying a home
Prepare for the conversation, understand closing cash and plan for property bills.
BUYING A HOME
Before You Apply
Prepare your budget, gather the basics and know what to ask.
Read The Guide →THE NUMBERS
Understanding Closing Costs
Separate fees, prepaid costs and the cash you need at closing.
Read The Guide →BUYING A HOME
How Mortgage Escrow Accounts Work
Understand the tax and insurance money collected with your mortgage and the choices to discuss before closing.
Read The Guide →MORTGAGE OPTIONS
Interest-only or fully amortizing?
Compare initial payments, the remaining balance and what happens when an interest-only period ends.
Read The Guide →For homeowners
Understand mortgage insurance, recasting and the tradeoffs of refinancing.
REFINANCING
Thinking About Refinancing?
Compare the cost, balance and timeline behind a new payment.
Read The Guide →FOR HOMEOWNERS
Removing PMI
Understand the rules for ending mortgage insurance and how to request a review from your servicer.
Read The Guide →FOR HOMEOWNERS
Mortgage recasting
Explore how an extra principal payment may lower your required payment while keeping your existing mortgage.
Read The Guide →HOME EQUITY
Understanding fixed-rate HELOC options
Learn what a fixed-rate balance means and which payments can still change.
Read The Guide →A FEW GOOD QUESTIONS
Let’s Clear Things Up.
For questions about your own plans, get in touch.
Talk With DouglasWhere should I start?
Start with your plans and a comfortable monthly budget. Explore the payment calculator or call Douglas. When you’re ready to share application details, use Start Your Application.
Do I need to choose a loan program first?
No. You can explore the differences here and ask Douglas to help you compare. A program choice depends on your finances, property and eligibility.
Is the calculator a loan approval?
No. It estimates a payment from the numbers you enter. Approval, pricing and any lender requirements need a review of your application.
Where do you offer home financing?
We work with buyers and homeowners in California and Texas. Whether you’re purchasing, refinancing or buying a new build, tell Douglas where the property is and what you have in mind.
How do I send documents?
Use the document instructions provided through your application. Please keep Social Security numbers, account numbers and financial documents out of ordinary email.
WHEN YOU’RE READY
Let’s Talk About Your Next Move.
A new home or a fresh plan for the one you love.