Learning Center

We update our Learning Center articles regularly to reflect current rates, requirements, and Nevada market conditions. Rate-focused articles are updated weekly, while guides are reviewed quarterly or when significant policy changes occur.

Yes! All our content includes Nevada-specific information including local loan limits, down payment assistance programs, property tax considerations, and market insights for Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, and all Nevada counties.

Absolutely! While our Learning Center provides comprehensive general guidance, our Nevada loan specialists can provide personalized recommendations based on your unique financial situation, credit profile, and homebuying goals. Contact us for a free consultation.

The best loan program depends on your credit score, down payment, military service, income type, and home price. Veterans typically benefit from VA loans (zero down), first-time buyers with lower credit often choose FHA (3.5% down), and buyers with strong credit prefer conventional loans. Read our comparison guides or get pre-qualified to see which programs you qualify for.

Yes! We help Nevada first-time buyers access down payment assistance programs, low-down-payment loan options, and provide guidance throughout the entire home buying process. Check our First-Time Buyer topic for detailed articles and eligibility requirements.

Getting pre-approved is easy! Click "Get Pre-Qualified" at the top of any page to start your application. You'll need recent pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns. Most Nevada buyers receive pre-approval within 24 hours. Read our Pre-Approval Guide for a detailed checklist.

Minimum credit scores vary by loan program: FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 (with 3.5% down) or 500 (with 10% down), conventional loans typically require 620+, and VA loans generally need 580+ though lender requirements vary. We work with all credit profiles and can help improve your score if needed.

Yes! We offer rate-and-term refinancing to lower your monthly payment, cash-out refinancing to access equity, and streamline refinance options for FHA and VA borrowers. Browse our Refinance topic to learn about requirements, when refinancing makes sense, and potential savings for Nevada homeowners.

For 2026, the conforming loan limit in most Nevada counties is $806,500 for a single-family home. High-cost areas may have higher limits. If you need to borrow more, you'll need a jumbo loan. Read our Conventional Loan Limits guide for county-specific details.

Conventional loans allow as little as 3% down for first-time buyers and 5% for repeat buyers. However, putting down 20% eliminates PMI (private mortgage insurance), saving you money monthly. Use our Affordability Calculator to compare different down payment scenarios.

PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required on conventional loans with less than 20% down payment. You can remove PMI once you reach 20% equity through payments or home appreciation. It automatically terminates at 22% equity. Read our complete PMI Removal Guide for the exact process.

The average Nevada home purchase closing takes 30-45 days from accepted offer to keys. Factors affecting timeline include appraisal scheduling, title work, and loan type. FHA and VA loans may take slightly longer. Refinances are typically faster at 20-30 days. Check our Closing Costs guide for a detailed timeline.

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on self-reported information. Pre-approval is a thorough review including credit check, income verification, and underwriter review. Nevada sellers strongly prefer pre-approved buyers. Read our Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualification guide for the complete comparison.

Absolutely! Student loans are factored into your debt-to-income ratio, but you can still qualify with proper planning. FHA loans are particularly flexible with student debt. Income-driven repayment plans and deferred loans are handled differently by each loan program. See our DTI guide and use our DTI calculator.

Condo rates are typically 0.125% to 0.25% higher than single-family home rates, and condos require additional approval steps. The condo project must be "warrantable" (approved by Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac). Learn more in our Condo Financing Guide.

You'll need: 2 years of tax returns, 2 months of bank statements, recent pay stubs (30 days), W-2s (2 years), photo ID, and proof of additional income if applicable. Self-employed borrowers need additional documentation. Download our complete Mortgage Readiness Checklist.

The "right time" depends on your personal financial situation, not just market conditions. Factors to consider: stable income, emergency fund, long-term commitment to the area (3-5+ years), and ability to afford monthly payments. Read our Rent vs Buy analysis for Nevada-specific insights.

Yes! FHA, VA, and conventional loans all allow gift funds for down payment and closing costs. The donor must be a relative, and you'll need a signed gift letter stating it's not a loan. Some loan types require you to contribute a small percentage from your own funds. See our Gift Funds guide.

15-year mortgages build equity faster and save significantly on interest, but have higher monthly payments. 30-year mortgages offer lower payments and more flexibility. Most Nevada buyers choose 30-year terms for affordability. Compare both options in our 15 vs 30-Year Mortgage guide.