Krunal Shah · September 3, 2026

What actually matters on a mortgage application

Mortgage Market Update

Krunal Shah

Krunal Shah

Thursday, September 3, 2026

What actually matters on a mortgage application

There's a lot of noise out there about getting approved for a mortgage. Let me cut through it and tell you what lenders actually care about.

National Mortgage Rates · August 27, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.66%

FHA 30-Year

6.56%

VA 30-Year

6.40%

Rate trend

Source: Freddie Mac PMMS & Optimal Blue via FRED

Rates shown are national averages and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual rates vary based on credit profile, loan amount, and market conditions. Please contact us for a personalized rate quote.


First-Time Buyer

What lenders actually look at when you apply

I talk to a lot of first-time buyers who worry they won't qualify, but they're often surprised by what matters most to lenders. Yes, your credit score and income count—but it's rarely a single number that makes or breaks your approval. Lenders look at the whole picture: your debt history, job stability, down payment, and how you've managed money over time. Even if your score isn't perfect or your income is modest, there are loan programs designed to work with real people's real situations. The best move is to get pre-qualified early so you know exactly where you stand, what you can afford, and what to focus on before you start house hunting.

Reach out and let's talk through what pre-qualification looks like for you.

Tip of the Week

Schedule a plumber to inspect older homes for slow leaks — water damage is expensive and often hidden until it's serious.

Tips for Homeowners

Jumbo Loans: What They Are and How They Work

1.

A jumbo loan exceeds the conforming loan limit set by the FHFA — $766,550 in most areas for 2024, higher in designated high-cost markets. These loans can't be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

2.

Jumbo loans typically require stronger credit (often 700+), larger down payments (10–20%), and more cash reserves. Underwriting is more thorough and can take longer.

3.

Rates on jumbo loans are sometimes comparable to or even lower than conforming rates, depending on market conditions. Don't assume a jumbo loan means a worse deal — shop lenders.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Krunal Shah team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

K

Krunal Shah

Krunal Shah

krunal@alliancelend.com

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