Guides & resources

The mortgage library.

In-depth guides for home buyers, veterans, and real estate investors across 10 states — written by a loan officer who has actually closed these loans.

florida

Jacksonville DSCR Loan Guide 2026: Florida's Most Consistent Cash-Flow Market

Jacksonville produces the most predictable DSCR ratios of any major Florida market. Median home prices around $283K, median asking rent at $2,000, NAS Jacksonville and Mayport anchoring the tenant base. Here is how DSCR qualification works in this market and which submarkets actually pencil.

12 min readRead →
washington

WSHFC Down Payment Assistance in Washington 2026: How to Stack State, City, and VA Programs

Washington's WSHFC programs offer up to 5% DPA as a deferred 0% second mortgage — and most eligible buyers never stack them with VA or city programs. Here is exactly how the combinations work, who qualifies, and what the file needs to look like to close.

11 min readRead →
washington

JBLM VA Loan Guide 2026: Buying Near Joint Base Lewis-McChord with Zero Down

Pierce County's 2026 conforming loan limit is $977,500 — designated high-cost. JBLM BAH runs $2,556 for an E-5 with dependents. No state income tax. Here is how VA loan qualification works at JBLM and which communities produce the best value for military buyers.

11 min readRead →
florida

Jacksonville VA Loan Guide 2026: NAS Jacksonville, Mayport, and Florida's Veteran Benefits Stack

Jacksonville is Florida's largest VA loan market. Two naval installations, a 2026 conforming limit of $832,750, Florida's complete property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans, and a median home price around $305K. Here is how VA qualification works here and which communities to target.

12 min readRead →
washington

VA Cash-Out Refinance in Washington State 2026: Access Equity at Up to 100% LTV

Washington home values have built significant veteran equity — especially near JBLM and the Puget Sound corridor. VA cash-out refinances allow up to 100% LTV, no PMI, and no restriction on use of funds. Here is exactly how qualification works, what it costs, and when it makes sense.

11 min readRead →
texas

Dallas-Fort Worth DSCR Loan Guide 2026: Which DFW Suburbs Still Pencil for Investors

DFW is ranked the number one real estate investment market in the US for 2026. But not every neighborhood produces standard DSCR qualification — and Texas property taxes are the number that most out-of-state investors underestimate. This guide covers which submarkets cash flow, which compress, and how to structure a DSCR deal in DFW that survives underwriting.

11 min readRead →
illinois

Illinois First-Time Homebuyer Guide 2026: IHDA Access Forgivable and FHA Stacking in the Chicago Metro

IHDA Access Forgivable provides 4 percent of the purchase price toward down payment and closing costs, forgiven after four years. Layered on FHA financing it closes the gap between what Illinois first-time buyers have saved and what closing actually requires. Here is how it works, who qualifies, and what to expect.

14 min readRead →

Pre-qualification

Questions about any of these programs?

Tell me what you are working on and I will reach out personally within one business hour. No hard credit pull, no obligation — if I cannot get you qualified, I will tell you exactly what to work on and when to come back.

Derek Huit · NMLS #203980 · Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership · NMLS #66247

Derek Huit, NMLS #203980 (NMLS Consumer Access), is licensed to originate mortgage loans in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington. Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership, NMLS #66247 (NMLS Consumer Access), holds state licenses as described at cardinalfinancial.com/nmls-licensing. Visit the NMLS Consumer Access website at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org for regulatory information about us. Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership (NMLS ID 66247). Equal Housing Opportunity.

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This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval, underwriting, and appraisal. Rates, terms, and programs are subject to change at any time without notice. Not all applicants will qualify. This site is not authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services. No mortgage loan applications for properties located in the state of New York will be accepted through this site.

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