@Defining.Karen​

Realtor/Associate Broker

Empowering Your Homeownership Journey

Karen Goodwin

Realtor/Associate Broker

1190 Winterson Road, Suite 300,
Linthicum, MD 21090

Road to Homeownership

Commonly asked questions

It is best to start your homebuying journey with your lender. That way, you know how much home you can afford and have a pre-approval ready to compete with other offers.

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t think you have the assets required to qualify. We explore all options with you – down payment assistance, gifts, 401k, etc. Don’t rule yourself out of homeownership!

Assets are anything you own that has monetary value. These include items such as checking and savings accounts, 401k accounts, physical assets (homes, cars, boats, etc.), stocks and bonds.

You choose the timeline that works best for your homeownership journey - we’re here to help whenever you’re ready! In the meantime, take steps to improve your credit score, reduce debt, and increase savings so you can be in a better position when the time is right for you.

A soft credit pull is when lenders view your credit score but don’t pull your credit report. If you check your own credit using credit monitoring tools, that’s also considered a soft pull. These inquiries are listed on your credit report, but only you can see them, and they do not impact your credit.

A hard credit pull occurs when you have applied for new credit (such as for a credit card or mortgage), giving the lending entity access your full credit report. Lenders use this information in their lending decision and to determine how risky of a borrower you may be. Hard pulls show up on your credit report for creditors and lenders to see and will temporarily drop your credit score a few points.

120 days

It’s a great idea to apply with multiple lenders so you know what options are available to you! Being pre-approved by multiple lenders will not impact your credit score. You’ll usually have a 3 to 4-week window where any mortgage credit pulls will be counted as a single inquiry and won’t further reduce your score.

Once you provide consent to run the credit pull, the lender can run the inquiry at any time. Exact timing varies, but your loan officer will let you know when any hard credit pull is being done.

A soft credit pull will not impact your credit. The hard pull that occurs when you fill out the full application could temporarily lower your credit around 5-10 points. Generally, your credit may fluctuate due to a variety of other factors – opening a new line of credit, late or missed payments, a change in credit, large purchases, etc.

Your down payment amount will vary based on the type of loan you’re applying for. There are many programs out there and you don’t necessarily need a 20% downpayment to become a homeowner! Many federal loan programs have low or even no money down payment requirements and we offer a variety of down payment assistant options. Talk with one of our loan originators to see what you qualify for!

Even if you have a history of bankruptcy, you can still become a homeowner! Eligibility depends on a few factors: the type of bankruptcy filed, the status of your bankruptcy, how much time has passed since filing, and the type of mortgage you’re seeking. Our loan originators will look into your situation and let you know your options.

Absolutely! Just because another lender denied you doesn’t mean we will. Let us run through all your options and see how we can help get you into the home of your dreams!

Common Q's

We just need a little more information to help get you on the road to homeownership. Fill out the form below and I'll be in touch with next steps!

Get Started Intake | @defining.karen​

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What our customers say about us

The whole process was very smooth for funding. Everyone always answered any questions I had as quickly as possible and if they didn’t know the answer they found out and got back with me quickly. Everyone on my loan was amazing!

Andrea D. B.Victoria, TX

Very easy and painless, we love the communication that was given!!

Anthony R.Lithonia, GA
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Highly recommended, responsive staff and a streamlined process. Exceptional service and expertise! Their team went above and beyond to guide me through the entire process.

Jeanie M. G.Stone Mountain, GA

It was great, they made the process really easy. As first-time home buyers, they did not make us feel like we were asking any dumb questions either.

Jackson B.Daphne, AL

This was by far the easiest mortgage application and closing I have participated in. The entire team did a fantastic job.

John M. H.Concord, NC

The process was very pleasant and well-guided. The people at NFM were always very communicative about what was needed and were a big help.

Saeka M.Greeley, CO

Exceptional skills and communication. We started out with different lenders that had old ideas and checklists that used to work. Today’s market called for new skills and ideas to ensure we got preapproved and the dream of having a home was achievable. Everything went incredibly smooth.

Sean C.Fruita, CO

As a 1099, other banks turned me down for a mortgage, so I am very grateful that NFM was able to help us get approved to buy our first home.

Zachary F. S.Washington, DC

We had such a great experience; it was so smooth and flawless.

Jenessa M.Maple Valley, WA

Equal Housing Lender. Submitting this form is not a credit decision or commitment to lend. Not all programs are available in all areas. Offers may vary and are subject to change at any time without notice. Make sure you understand the features associated with the loan program you choose, and that it meets your unique financial needs. Subject to Debt-to-Income and Underwriting requirements. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Eligibility is subject to completion of an application and verification of home ownership, occupancy, title, income, employment, credit, home value, collateral, and underwriting requirements. Not all programs are available in all areas. Offers may vary and are subject to change at any time without notice. Refinancing an existing loan may result in the total finance charges being higher over the life of the loan. NFM, Inc. d/b/a NFM Lending. For NFM, Inc.’s full agency and state licensing information, please visit www.nfmlending.com/licensing. NFM, Inc.’s NMLS #2893 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). For Arizona originators: AZ# BK-0934973. In Alaska, business will only be conducted under NFM Lending and not any of our affiliate sites. NFM, Inc. is not affiliated with, or an agent or division of, a governmental agency or a depository institution. For our Privacy Policy, go to: www.nfmlending.com/privacy-policy. Copyright © 2025.

Don't Leave Yet!

Got questions? My team and I are here to help.

We can help put you on the path to homeownership, even if now is not the perfect time.

Let’s connect!

Continue

Don’t Leave Yet!

Got questions? My team and I are here to help.

We can help put you on the path to homeownership, even if now is not the perfect time.