Lending With You In Mind

We all want to build toward a better future and invest in smart, measured ways to create long-term security. Prosperity means something different to everyone, but providing for those around you for generations to come likely means a lot to you. And it means a lot to us. Whether you are looking for your first home, hoping to pull equity from your current house, or seeking financial strategies for retirement, we offer expert advice for how to effectively use your mortgage as a tool.

The Path toward Pre-Approval

The Sharpe Mortgage Team wants you to make the best choice for your future, and we consider it a privilege to work closely with you to make your home goals fit within your overall financial plan.


We can help you determine how much you can afford and, once you have applied and been approved, provide you with a pre-approval.


In a competitive market, having a solid pre-approval letter to go with your offer may make a big difference and help speed up your loan process.

Couple reviewing homebuying process documents with mortgage lender

Know Your Budget Upfront


Pre-approval gives you a clear picture of your borrowing limit, helping you focus on homes within your price range and avoid surprises later.

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Home keys being handed to new homeowner at closing

Strengthen Your Offer


With a pre-approval letter, sellers see you as a serious buyer, giving you an edge in negotiations and speeding up the buying process.

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Real estate agent reviewing home purchase approval with couple outside new home

Streamline Your Home Search


Knowing your loan status early reduces stress and helps you move quickly when you find the right property in Winston-Salem or the Triad.

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Happy family holding keys outside their new home in North Carolina

Plan With Confidence


Pre-approval clarifies your financial position, allowing you to plan your purchase and closing timeline with greater certainty.

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Pre-Approval FAQs

Understanding the pre-approval process can simplify your homebuying journey. Here are answers to common questions to help you move forward with confidence.

  • Will pre-approval affect my credit score?

    The pre-approval process involves a credit check, which may cause a small, temporary dip in your credit score, but it’s generally minimal and short-lived.

  • How soon can I get pre-approved?

    Pre-approval can often be completed within a few days once all necessary documents are submitted and reviewed by our team.

  • Is pre-approval required before househunting?

    While not mandatory, having pre-approval helps you focus on homes within your budget and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.

  • Can I get pre-approved if I’m self-employed?

    Yes. Self-employed applicants need to provide additional documentation like tax returns and profit/loss statements to verify income.

  • What happens after pre-approval?

    After pre-approval, you can shop for homes confidently. Once you find a property, you’ll move to the formal loan application and underwriting stages.

  • What is mortgage pre-approval?

    Mortgage pre-approval is a lender’s evaluation of your financial background to determine how much you can borrow. It gives you a clear budget before househunting.

  • How long does pre-approval last?

    Pre-approval typically lasts 60 to 90 days. If your home search extends beyond that, you may need to update your financial information for renewal.

  • Does pre-approval guarantee a loan?

    Pre-approval is not a final loan commitment. It shows you qualify based on current information, but final approval depends on property appraisal and updated financial checks.

  • What documents are needed for pre-approval?

    You’ll need proof of income, credit history, employment verification, and details on debts and assets. Providing accurate documents speeds up the process.

  • Can pre-approval improve my offer?

    Yes. Sellers often prefer buyers with pre-approval because it shows financial readiness, which can strengthen your negotiating position.

Ready To Start?

Our team is here to guide you through pre-approval and beyond. Reach out to begin your homebuying process with clarity and confidence.

Home Loan Benefits Tailored for You

Flexible Terms and Competitive Rates

Customizable Loan Terms

Choose repayment plans that fit your budget and timeline, whether short- or long-term.

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Competitive Interest Rates

Access some of the best rates in North and South Carolina to reduce your monthly payments.
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Low Down Payment Options

Start your homeownership journey with minimal upfront costs designed for first-time buyers.
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Support for Investors

Flexible financing solutions crafted to help investors grow their property portfolios.
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Streamlined Application Process

Apply quickly with our easy-to-navigate process and expert guidance every step of the way.
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Local Expertise

Benefit from our deep knowledge of the Carolinas’ real estate market and lending landscape.
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Home Loan FAQs

Find clear answers to common questions about our home loan options and the application process tailored for buyers and investors in North and South Carolina.

  • What types of home loans do you offer?

    We provide a range of loan options including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, designed to fit the needs of first-time buyers, builders, and investors in the Carolinas.

  • How do I qualify for a home loan?

    Qualification depends on factors like credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio. Our team reviews your financial profile to recommend the best loan option.

  • What documents are required for the application?

    Typical documents include proof of income, tax returns, credit history, and identification. We guide you through each step to ensure a smooth process.

  • How long does the loan approval process take?

    Approval times vary but generally take 30-45 days. We work efficiently to keep you informed and move your application forward quickly.

  • Can I apply if I’m a first-time homebuyer?

    Yes, we specialize in assisting first-time buyers with tailored loan programs and personalized support throughout the purchase journey.

Ready to Secure Your Home Loan?

Connect with The Sharpe Mortgage Team today to explore tailored loan options that fit your needs. Whether you're buying your first home or investing in the Carolinas, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.

Application Checklist

Pay Stubs

This should be your most recent one-month pay stub.

W-2

This should be the most recent full two-year period of W-2s.

Financial Statements

Your most recent full three-month period of financial statements.

Form 4506-T or 4506T-EZ

We will provide you with the form needed for this step.

Contract

You will need the purchase contract signed by you and the seller.

Resident History

Residence history for at least two years.

Credit Scores

A credit score is a three-digit number that determines your creditworthiness and measures how likely you are to repay a loan on time. Your credit score is based on your history of repaying debt and factors heavily into the lender's decision on whether you are responsible about paying your bills on time. The higher your credit score, the better your chances of being approved for a loan.


There are five major elements that make up your credit score: payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new credit, and types of credit used.

Mortgage Rates

Home icon representing the homebuying process

What are mortgage rates?

A mortgage interest rate is the rate of interest charged on a home mortgage loan.

Mortgage rate chart icon

Why do they fluctuate?

Factors that determine your interest rate include credit score and loan amount, both of which are among the most significant influencers. Other factors include down payment, loan type, and loan terms.

Fixed-Rate

A fixed-rate mortgage locks in a set rate of interest that remains unchanged throughout the life of the loan.

Adjustable-Rate

An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is a mortgage whose rate of interest is periodically adjusted to reflect the current market conditions. 

Homebuying FAQs

Understanding the pre-approval process can simplify your homebuying journey. Here are answers to common questions to help you move forward with confidence.

  • What credit score do I need to qualify for a home loan?

    Most lenders prefer a credit score of 620 or higher for conventional loans, but options exist for lower scores through FHA or VA programs.

  • How much down payment is required?

    Down payments vary by loan type, typically ranging from 3% to 20%. We help you find programs that fit your budget.

  • What are the typical closing costs?

    Closing costs usually total 2% to 5% of the loan amount and include fees like appraisal, title insurance, and lender charges.

  • How long does the home loan approval process take?

    Approval times vary but generally take 30-45 days from application to closing, depending on documentation and appraisal timing.

  • Can I buy a home with debt or student loans?

    Yes, lenders consider your overall debt-to-income ratio. We guide you on managing debts to improve your loan eligibility.

Mortgage Payments

There are four factors that play a role in the calculation of a mortgage payment: principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI). Monthly mortgage payments can vary substantially due to the size and term of your home loan. A member of The Sharpe Mortgage Team would love to work with you to help determine a mortgage payment that best fits your needs.

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How It Works

1. Pre-Qualification

A pre-qualification letter is a document from us stating that you may qualify for a loan up to a certain amount.

2. Income Verification

We will verify information such as your income, tax returns, and bank account statements.

3. Appraisal

Once you make an offer on a home, we will request an appraisal of the property to assess whether your offer is in line with the home's condition and comparable homes in the neighborhood.

4. Title Search and Title Insurance

Lenders doesn't want to lend money for a home that has legal claims on it, so a title company will perform a title search to make sure the property can be transferred.

5. Underwriting Decision

Once one of our mortgage underwriters has reviewed your application, they will determine whether you are approved for a mortgage. That approval gives you the all-clear to proceed to closing on the property!

6. Loan in Progress

Our team works with you and your agent to provide excellent communication and transparency throughout the loan process.

7. Paperwork

We explain all the paperwork you will sign.

8. Congratulations!

You receive the keys to your new home.

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Home Appraisal

A home appraisal is a determination of a home’s fair market value requested by the lender to verify that the amount asked for by the borrower is appropriate. Due to potential bias, the lender cannot request a specific home appraiser, so one is assigned from a pool of appraisers.


Many factors are considered when determining the home’s appraised value. Through many processes, such as home walk-throughs, property walks, and additional reviews, the home appraiser will assess the property's size, condition of the exterior and interior of the home, as well as improvements and upgrades that have been made to the property.

Closing Costs

Closing costs are fees paid as part of a real estate transaction. Because a home purchase is a contract between a seller and a buyer, and the property changes hands, there are various costs and multiple parties involved.


Most homebuying scenarios involve four categories of closing costs that can sometimes be negotiated for the seller to cover.


Lender Costs

With any home loan, costs are incurred to pay the processor, underwriter, and closer, and are often passed to the seller.

Legal Fees

Attorney’s fees, title search fees, title insurance, and recording fees are costs that may fall into the legal fees category.

Third-Party Expenses

Credit reports, property appraisals, and inspection fees are paid to a third-party vendor for performing these services.

Pre-Paid Expenses

Interim interest, insurance, and property taxes are ongoing costs that may be paid in advance at closing.

Closing Process

Where will your closing take place?

Generally, the closing will happen at the office of the settlement agent (or potentially an attorney, depending on the state in which you close). The closing could also take place at one of the real estate agents' offices or even my office. 

Who will be at your closing?

Your real estate agent, the seller’s agent, the title agent, and a notary may be there. I will also make my best effort to be there in case you have any last-minute questions.

What will you need to bring to your closing?

Be sure to bring your ID (if there is a co-signer, please make sure they have their ID as well). 

We will have already discussed whether you are wiring the money or bringing a certified check for costs such as the down payment, taxes, insurance, or other closing fees.

On the Dotted Line

Read, ask questions about, and sign the loan documents that Ashley's team has prepared for you. Included in this paperwork will be your closing disclosure (which we will have reviewed together before closing), the promissory note (which says you will repay the lender for the loan amount you are borrowing), and the deed of trust (also known as the lien on the property).

It's time to move into your new home!

Once you have closed on your home, you will receive the keys and it will be time to move in! Congratulations on this milestone in your life!

Let's Start The Mortgage Process

Our team is here to guide you through pre-approval and beyond. Reach out to begin your home buying process with clarity and confidence.