A Real-Life Family Home Purchase in Placer County, California Sometimes a mortgage starts with numbers. And sometimes it starts with a family story that keeps...
Read MoreStart by exploring some of our most frequently asked mortgage questions below.
The amount of home you can afford depends on several factors, including your income, monthly debt payments, credit profile, down payment, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and current interest rates. While online calculators can provide estimates, the most accurate way to determine your buying power is through a mortgage pre-approval. Many homebuyers are pleasantly surprised to learn they qualify for more than they expected, while others discover opportunities to increase their purchasing power before they buy.
Many first-time homebuyers believe they need tens of thousands of dollars saved before buying a home. In reality, qualified buyers may be able to purchase a home with less than $4,000 out of pocket by combining Down Payment Assistance programs, such as CALHFA, with seller credits.
Many first-time homebuyers are surprised to learn they may qualify sooner than they think. While FHA loans are commonly associated with a 580 credit score, some lenders may consider credit scores as low as 520 when supported by a down payment and other compensating factors. Buyers using the FHA Access Down Payment Assistance Program typically need a minimum 600 credit score to qualify.
Many self-employed borrowers can qualify for a mortgage using 12 or 24 months of bank statements instead of tax returns. Most programs require at least two years of self-employment history and a minimum down payment of 10%. Down payment assistance programs are generally not available with bank statement loan programs.
Eligible Veterans may qualify for a VA Home Loan with 100% financing, no monthly mortgage insurance, and flexible qualifying guidelines. VA loans remain one of the most valuable home financing benefits available to those who have served our country.
A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) Loan is a financing option designed specifically for real estate investors. Rather than qualifying based on personal income, many DSCR programs focus primarily on the property’s rental income. These loans are generally not intended for first-time homebuyers and are best suited for individuals who already own property and are looking to grow their investment portfolio.
After helping homebuyers for more than 26 years, I’ve noticed something interesting.
Many people who eventually become homeowners start their journey believing they can’t.
They believe they don’t make enough money.
They believe they need a larger down payment.
They believe their credit score isn’t high enough.
Yet year after year, I watch buyers achieve homeownership because they take the first step, get educated, and discover what is actually possible.
At Amy DeBusk Home Loans, we believe homeownership starts with clarity.
Before you focus on loan programs, interest rates, or down payments, get clear on your why.
Maybe it’s to stop paying rent and start building wealth.
Maybe it’s to create stability for your family.
Maybe it’s to have a backyard for your children, grandchildren, or dogs.
Maybe it’s to build generational wealth.
When you’re clear on your why, you stop focusing on obstacles and start focusing on possibilities.
That’s why we created the Homebuyer Inspiration Hub, a free resource designed to help future homeowners gain clarity, build confidence, and create a roadmap toward homeownership.
Browse our most popular mortgage resources, loan programs, and homeownership guides.
Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Explore expert guidance on first-time home buyer loans, down payment assistance programs, FHA loans, Conventional loans, VA loans, mortgage pre-approval, credit score requirements, closing costs, and the complete home buying process. Whether you’re just starting to save or ready to make an offer, these resources will help you become a confident homeowner.
VA home loans offer some of the best mortgage benefits available, including zero down payment financing for eligible Veterans and active-duty military members. Learn about VA loan eligibility, funding fees, credit requirements, seller-paid closing costs, VA renovation loans, VA IRRRL refinances, and how to maximize your hard-earned home loan benefits.
Being self-employed shouldn’t prevent you from buying a home. Learn how bank statement loans, 1099 loans, profit and loss statements, and alternative income documentation can help business owners, entrepreneurs, independent contractors, and freelancers qualify for a mortgage without relying solely on tax returns.
Being self-employed shouldn’t prevent you from buying a home. Learn how bank statement loans, 1099 loans, profit and loss statements, and alternative income documentation can help business owners, entrepreneurs, independent contractors, and freelancers qualify for a mortgage without relying solely on tax returns.
More families than ever are buying homes together. Explore mortgage solutions for multi-generational households, aging parents, adult children, shared homeownership, and downsizing. Learn how different loan programs can help families combine resources, build wealth together, and create a home that meets everyone’s needs.
Your mortgage should continue working for you long after you purchase your home. Learn when refinancing makes sense, how to remove mortgage insurance, access your home’s equity with a HELOC or home equity loan, compare cash-out refinancing options, and build long-term wealth through smart homeownership strategies.
Whether you’re purchasing your first rental property or expanding your investment portfolio, explore financing solutions designed for real estate investors. Learn about DSCR loans, BRRRR financing, fix-and-flip loans, cash flow analysis, portfolio growth strategies, and investment property financing throughout California.
Whether you’re remodeling your current home or building your dream home from the ground up, discover financing solutions designed for renovation and construction projects. Learn about construction loans, FHA 203(k), VA renovation loans, building on your own land, ADU financing, and custom home construction.
Browse California mortgage resources, home buying guides, refinancing strategies, renovation financing, investment property loans, relocation resources, and expert advice for every stage of homeownership.
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Read MoreExplore our videos, free tools, AI resources, community, get pre-qualified 24/7, trusted government resources, and more. Everything you need to make confident mortgage decisions, all in one place.
Watch hundreds of mortgage education videos covering first-time homebuyers, refinancing, self-employed borrowers, VA loans, real client success stories, and expert strategies to help you buy with confidence.
For additional homebuyer education and mortgage program information, you may also visit trusted government resources such as HUD, FHA, VA, USDA, and the Federal Reserve Board. These resources can provide helpful background information on housing programs, consumer education, and mortgage market guidance.
For more than 26 years, Amy DeBusk has helped homebuyers, homeowners, Veterans, self-employed borrowers, and real estate investors navigate the mortgage process with confidence.
Known for making complex mortgage topics easy to understand, Amy’s mission is to educate, inspire, and help clients build long-term wealth through homeownership and real estate investing.
Whether you’re purchasing your first home, refinancing, building a custom home, or expanding your investment portfolio, Amy and her team are committed to helping you explore your options and create a financing strategy that aligns with your goals.
Licensed in California, Tennessee, and Texas NMLS #281056.
Trusted by Thousands of Homebuyers and Backed by 25+ Years of Mortgage Experience
