Frequently asked questions.
Q: What types of mortgages do you offer?
A: As a Branch Manager with Planet Home Lending, LLC (NMLS #17022), Corbin Matise (NMLS #2149887) can offer conventional fixed-rate loans, FHA, VA, USDA, and jumbo loans, along with first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance programs, HomeReady® and Home Possible® loans, bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers, new construction (including One-Time Close), manufactured home loans, renovation loans, bridge loans, and Planet’s Buy Now. Sell Later. program. For homeowners, Planet offers rate-and-term and cash-out refinances, FHA and VA Streamline refinances, and fixed-rate home equity loans. Not all products are available in all markets, and all loans are subject to credit approval. See the full list at https://www.planethomelending.com/compare-all-loans.
Q: What is the difference between a fixed-rate and an adjustable-rate mortgage?
A: A fixed-rate mortgage keeps the same interest rate, and the same principal and interest payment, for the life of the loan. Planet’s most popular options are 15- and 30-year fixed. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has a rate that can change after an initial period, so the payment can go up or down. Ask Corbin whether an ARM is available and makes sense for your situation.
Q: What are the qualifications for a mortgage loan?
A: Requirements depend on the loan program. Planet will look at your credit, income and employment, assets, debts, and the property. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply (19 in AL and NE, 21 in MS). Other criteria may apply, including property valuation and credit, employment, and income requirements. All applications are subject to underwriting guidelines, and not all consumers will qualify.
Q: How can I check my credit?
A: You can get free credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com, the official site. Corbin can also review your credit with you as part of a pre-approval and explain which steps may help your scores.
Q: How much money do I need for a down payment?
A: It depends on the program.
FHA loans can require as little as 3.5% down with a credit score of about 580 or higher. Scores below 580 may require at least 10% down.
VA loans offer no-down-payment options for eligible service members, veterans, and surviving spouses.
USDA loans require no down payment for eligible borrowers buying in qualified areas.
Conventional programs such as HomeReady® and Home Possible® offer low down payment options.
Planet also participates in many down payment assistance programs, including programs in Texas.
Q: How long does the mortgage process take?
A: Timing depends on the loan type, the property, and how quickly documents come in. Many purchase loans close within the timeframe in your purchase contract. The steps are pre-approval, application, processing and underwriting, appraisal, and closing. Corbin and the team will give you a timeline when you apply.
Q: Can I refinance my mortgage?
A: Planet offers refinances to lower your payment, shorten your term, or take cash out. It also offers FHA Streamline and VA Streamline refinances for existing FHA and VA loans. If you want to keep a low-rate first mortgage, Planet’s fixed-rate Home Equity Loan lets you borrow against your equity: generally $25,000–$350,000, and up to 85% combined loan-to-value on a primary or second home, subject to qualification.
Q: Can I get pre-approved for a mortgage?
A: Yes. A pre-approval reviews your credit, income, and assets to estimate how much you may be able to borrow, and it makes your offer stronger. Start your application with Planet at https://apply.planethomelending.com/#/loan-officers/cmatise%40planethomelending, or call or text Corbin at 512-487-9286. Pre-approval is not a commitment to lend.
Q: Do you work with self-employed borrowers?
A: Yes. In addition to traditional documentation, Planet offers bank statement home loans, which use personal or business bank statements instead of tax returns to document income. Generally at least two years of self-employment history is required.
Q: How do I contact you or apply?
A: Call or text Corbin Matise at 512-487-9286, email cmatise@planethomelending.com, or apply online through Planet Home Lending at https://apply.planethomelending.com/#/loan-officers/cmatise%40planethomelending.
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