FHA loans · First-time homebuyers

Own now. Build equity. Refinance later.

Stop renting and start building. FHA financing makes your first home possible with flexible credit and gift funds, then gives you a streamlined path to refinance later. Not FHA-eligible? We have options for ITIN borrowers and self-employed buyers too.

580 minimum credit score
Gift funds allowed
ITIN & self-employed options
Your path
FHA
Buy now. Streamline later.
Buy
FHA purchase loan
Build
6 on-time payments
Wait
At least 210 days
Refinance
FHA Streamline

Illustration only. Streamline eligibility isn't guaranteed and requires a lower payment or other net tangible benefit.

Compare your options

Start with FHA. If it isn't the fit, we keep going.

We look at FHA first for its flexible credit and Streamline refinance path. If you use an ITIN or qualify with business income, we move down to the option built for you.

Option 2 · ITIN

ITIN borrowers

For buyers who file taxes with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number.

Today's rate
Call for a quote
Qualify with an ITIN
12-month housing history required
Gift funds allowed
Primary residence only
Refinance later as your situation changes
Talk to a loan officer
Option 3 · Self-employed

Profit & loss qualifying

For business owners with 3 years of business licensing or local municipal permits.

Today's rate
Call for a quote
Qualify with a profit & loss statement
3 years of licensing or municipal permits
Asset depletion & rental income options
Primary residence only
Refinance later as your business grows
Talk to a loan officer

Rates change daily. Call a Mares loan officer for today's rate and APR based on your credit, loan amount, down payment and property. ITIN and profit & loss loans are non-QM programs, not FHA loans, and typically carry higher rates than FHA. Not a commitment to lend; all loans are subject to credit approval and underwriting.

The FHA advantage

Buy today. Refinance when rates improve.

Waiting for rates to drop can mean another year of rent. With FHA, you can buy now and, after six on-time payments, look at an FHA Streamline Refinance: less paperwork, usually no new appraisal, and a lower payment if rates have come down.

1

Buy your home

Close on your FHA purchase loan and start building equity instead of paying rent.

2

Make six on-time payments

About seven months. At least 210 days must pass after closing.

3

Watch rates with us

We keep an eye on the market and tell you when a Streamline makes sense.

4

Streamline refinance

Reduced documentation and a lower payment, if you qualify.

FHA Streamline Refinance is available for existing FHA loans only and requires a net tangible benefit, such as a lower payment. ITIN and profit & loss loans are not FHA loans and can't be streamlined, but you may be able to refinance into FHA or conventional financing later. Ask about any prepayment terms. Eligibility is not guaranteed.

Flexible. Accessible. Possible.

Built for buyers a standard loan leaves out.

These programs are designed for people whose income or paperwork doesn't fit a standard box.

First-time homebuyers

Flexible FHA credit guidelines and gift funds from family toward your purchase.

Self-employed borrowers

Qualify with a profit & loss statement backed by your business licensing or permits.

Non-traditional income

W-2, 1099, asset depletion and rental income can all count.

Families looking for options

ITIN and DACA borrowers may qualify. We'll find the right fit.

Talk to a loan officer

Your Mares loan officer, one call away.

Every option on this page is reviewed with a licensed Mares loan officer. Reach out for today's rates and a plan for your first home.

Evan Yoder
Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS 2673117 · DRE 02282850

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Evan Yoder
Oscar Gonzalez
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS 339965 · DRE 1315161

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Oscar Gonzalez
Michael Olmos
Senior Loan Originator
NMLS 2369025 · DRE 02177704

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Michael Olmos
Cutberto Hernandez
Founder | Senior Loan Originator
NMLS 246094 · DRE 01095269

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Cutberto Hernandez
Cubie Hernandez
Senior Loan Originator | Associate Broker
NMLS 246116 · DRE 01800998

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Cubie Hernandez
Christian Hernandez
Senior Loan Originator | Associate Broker
NMLS 378369 · DRE 01887390

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Christian Hernandez
Cameron Brinkman
Mortgage Loan Originator | Asset Manager
NMLS 2663179

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Cameron Brinkman
Bridget Odden
Senior Loan Originator
NMLS 2017687 · DRE 02138373

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Bridget Odden