Frequently Asked
Questions.

It depends on the loan type. FHA allows scores as low as 580. Conventional typically starts at 620. VA and DSCR loans have different criteria entirely. On your first call, Rudy reviews your full profile and finds the program that fits — not the one that is easiest to sell.

As little as 3.5% with FHA. Some CalHFA and down payment assistance programs go even lower for first-time buyers. VA loans are 0% down for qualifying veterans. Conventional can start at 3%. The right number depends entirely on your situation — that is what the free consultation is for.

Most loans close in 21 to 30 days. Rudy consistently hits 21 days because he moves quickly on paperwork and communicates clearly at every step. You will get a realistic timeline on your first call so nothing is a surprise.

Absolutely. Rudy specializes in bank statement loans, P&L programs, and 1099 options that let business owners qualify on actual cash flow rather than tax returns that write everything off. These programs are available at jumbo levels too.

No. The consultation is free and so is the pre-approval. It is the first step to knowing exactly what you can afford — and it makes your offer far more competitive in a multiple-offer market.

Rudy is licensed in California and works with clients statewide. His specialty is the South Bay — Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes, El Segundo, and all surrounding communities.

FHA loans can go as low as 580. Conventional usually starts at 620 or higher. Rudy will review your full credit picture and tell you exactly what programs are available for your score — often there are more options than you expect.

FHA can be 3.5% down. Conventional can go as low as 3%. Some CalHFA programs offer down payment assistance that reduces your out-of-pocket cost significantly. Rudy walks every first-time buyer through all available programs in California.

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on what you share verbally — it has no real weight. Pre-approval means Rudy has reviewed your actual documents and issued a conditional commitment. Sellers and agents take pre-approval seriously. It is what wins offers in competitive markets.

Typically 21 to 30 days from a signed contract to closing day. Rudy keeps the process moving with clear communication and fast turnarounds. You will always know exactly where things stand.

PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required on conventional loans when your down payment is less than 20%. It protects the lender, not you. You can avoid it by putting 20% down, using a piggyback loan structure, or choosing an FHA loan where the mortgage insurance works differently. Rudy will show you all the options.

The classic answer is when rates drop at least 0.5% to 1% below your current rate. But it also makes sense when you want to shorten your loan term, switch from an adjustable to a fixed rate, consolidate debt, or pull out equity for a major expense. Rudy runs the real numbers and only recommends a refinance when it genuinely makes sense for your situation.

Closing costs typically run 2% to 5% of the loan amount. Rudy provides a clear, itemized breakdown upfront — no surprises at the table. He will also show you the break-even point so you know exactly how long it takes for the savings to outweigh the cost.

Yes. A cash-out refinance lets you access your home equity for home improvements, debt payoff, investments, or other needs. The amount you can access depends on your current home value and loan balance. Rudy will walk you through what is available for your specific property.

Similar to a purchase — typically 21 to 30 days. In some cases it can move faster since there is no seller timeline to coordinate with. Rudy will give you a clear timeline on the first call.

A reverse mortgage lets homeowners 62 and older access their home equity without making monthly mortgage payments. The loan is repaid when you sell the home, move out permanently, or pass away. You keep the title to your home and stay as long as you live there. The most common type is the federally insured HECM program.

Generally homeowners 62 or older who have significant equity in their primary residence. You must live in the home as your primary residence and keep up with property taxes, insurance, and basic maintenance. Rudy walks every client through the full eligibility picture with no pressure.

HECM reverse mortgages are federally insured through FHA and heavily regulated. You can never owe more than the home is worth. Your heirs are protected. Rudy explains every cost and term in plain language so you can make a fully informed decision — because this is a big one.

Your heirs have options. They can sell the home and keep any remaining equity, pay off the loan balance and keep the home, or walk away with no personal liability if the home is worth less than the loan. Rudy explains every scenario clearly so your family knows exactly what to expect.

It depends on your age, the home value, current interest rates, and the program you choose. Generally, the older you are and the more equity you have, the more you can access. Rudy will run real numbers for your specific situation — usually on the first call.

DSCR stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio. A DSCR loan qualifies you based on the rental income the property generates — not your personal income, W-2s, or tax returns. If the property cash-flows at a 1.0 ratio or better, you can qualify. It is one of the best tools available for building a rental portfolio.

Conventional loans are long-term (15–30 years), income-based, and focused on getting you the best rate. Hard money loans are short-term (months to a year or two), asset-based, and built for speed — think fix-and-flip or bridge financing where you need to close in days, not weeks.

Yes. Existing rental income from properties you already own can often be counted. For new purchases, projected rental income supported by an appraisal can also help. Rudy uses every legitimate income source available to strengthen your file.

Through bank statements (12 or 24 months), profit-and-loss statements, or 1099 programs — all of which qualify you on your actual cash flow rather than your tax returns. These programs are available at conventional and jumbo loan levels. Rudy specializes in getting self-employed buyers approved when banks have said no.

For bank statement loans: 12 to 24 months of personal or business bank statements. For traditional loans: 2 years of tax returns (personal and business), a year-to-date P&L, and 2 months of bank statements. Rudy tells you exactly what is needed for your specific program on the first call — no guessing.