Real advice from a mortgage industry insider. FHA multifamily, 203k, down payment assistance and other creative homeownership programs.

This Is Mortgage

Homeownership Through Creative Financing

Achieve Homeownership. Start Now.

Hi, I’m Tim Lucas. (NMLS 118763) There’s nothing quite like homeownership to give you a feeling of security and accomplishment. That’s why I focus on mortgage finance strategies that help you break into the housing market and start building wealth. I’ve helped hundreds of people buy homes IRL, plus run mortgage websites for millions. Want to know if you can be a homeowner? Start here.

Tim Lucas - ThisIsMortgage.com

Recent Content

Time To Break Down Barriers

As a first-time homebuyer, you might feel overwhelmed. This site is all about equipping you with the latest tricks, news, and advice to help you buy a home with confidence. I once thought owning a home was out of reach. I was 26 with a small salary, barely any savings, and limited knowledge of the process. Home prices seemed astronomical and mortgage rates were high. Sound familiar?

I ended up buying a home and never desired to rent again. I went on to work with first-time buyers in the mortgage industry for ten years. Now my mission is to take this first-hand knowledge and turn as many renters into homeowners as I can. I’ve been given much, so now it’s time to pay it forward.
Conquer your fears. Start your homebuying journey here.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a checklist:

  1. Create a budget. Know how much you can spend on a mortgage payment each month after other expenses.
  2. Examine your life situation: Only buy a home if you plan to stay put for 3-5 years.
  3. Get a pre-approval: Work with a lender to see how much you can qualify for. Start this process here.
  4. Hire a real estate agent: The home seller pays the agent’s commission. No need to go it alone.
  5. Shop for homes. Find a home in your price range based on your payment comfort level.
  6. Make offers: Chances are you’ll need to make many offers before yours is accepted.
  7. Negotiate: Ask your agent if you can request closing cost credits from the seller. The seller might agree if it’s not an in-demand home.
  8. Submit remaining documentation: Quickly supply the lender any further documents they need. The lender will also order an appraisal at this point. Don’t make any large purchases, change jobs, or apply for credit at this point.
  9. Get a final approval: The lender will issue a “clear to close” status and send legal loan documents to the escrow company.
  10. Wire closing funds to escrow: The escrow company will let you know how much you need to close. Wire it from your bank (work with escrow to avoid scams. at this point).
  11. Close: Sign final paperwork. A few days later, you’re a homeowner

Hopefully, this demystifies the process enough to make your first step. Why not start today?

See if you can be approved to buy a home.

What are today’s rates?

Mortgage rates change daily. You can check today’s rates here and even get started with one of the listed lenders.