Nov 2025

The First-Time Buyer's Real Timeline

Forget the oversimplified "30-day" promise. Here's the week-by-week breakdown of what actually happens from offer to keys—and what you should be doing at each stage.

Oct 2025

When a Refinance Actually Makes Sense

The "1% rule" is outdated. A proper refinance analysis considers your remaining term, closing costs, break-even point, and what you'd do with the monthly savings. Here's how we run the math.

Oct 2025

Self-Employed? Here's What Underwriters Actually Look At

Two years of tax returns is only the headline. What matters underneath: consistency of income, business structure, depreciation adjustments, and whether a bank-statement program might serve you better.

Sep 2025

Why Your Credit Score Dropped After Pre-Approval

A hard pull costs about 5 points. Opening a store card the week before closing can cost you the loan. Here's the credit hygiene that matters between application and closing.

Sep 2025

FHA vs. Conventional: The Honest Comparison

It's not always about the down payment. Mortgage insurance structure, removal rules, and seller concession limits all matter. Here's a side-by-side for the most common scenarios.

Aug 2025

Rate Lock Strategy: Float, Lock, or Ladder

Once you're in contract, you have days—not weeks—to decide. The three common approaches, when each makes sense, and what getting it wrong can cost in a volatile market.

Frequently Asked

The questions we hear most often.

What's the difference between a broker and a lender?+
A lender funds loans with their own capital and offers their own products. A broker—like Cohen Mortgage—shops multiple wholesale lenders on your behalf to find the best fit for your situation. Brokers typically access a wider range of programs and competitive pricing because we're not limited to a single institution's menu.
How long does the mortgage process take?+
Most purchase loans close within 25 to 35 days from the contract date. Refinances typically run 21 to 30 days. The timeline depends on how quickly documents come back, appraisal scheduling, and title work—all of which we actively manage on your behalf.
Do you charge application fees?+
No application fee. Third-party costs like appraisal and credit report are passed through at cost, and we disclose everything in writing before you pay anything. Our compensation is built into the loan pricing and fully disclosed on the Loan Estimate—no surprises.
What credit score do I need?+
It depends on the program. Conventional loans typically require 620 or above, FHA goes down to 580 (and sometimes lower with compensating factors), and VA loans are similarly flexible. More important than the score alone is the overall picture—score, income stability, debt ratio, and down payment work together. We'll walk you through where you stand.
Will checking my rate hurt my credit?+
Our initial conversation requires no credit pull. When you're ready to move forward with a full pre-approval, we pull credit once. A hard inquiry typically costs 3–5 points and recovers within a few months. Multiple mortgage inquiries within 14–45 days are treated as a single inquiry for scoring purposes.
Can I get pre-approved without a property in mind?+
Yes—and we recommend it. A firm pre-approval strengthens your position when you do find the right home, and it tells you exactly what price range works for your budget before you fall in love with a house outside of it.