EP 326: You Don't Need 20% Down to Buy a Home: Insights from a Mortgage Expert

30/09/2025 8 min
EP 326: You Don't Need 20% Down to Buy a Home: Insights from a Mortgage Expert

Listen "EP 326: You Don't Need 20% Down to Buy a Home: Insights from a Mortgage Expert"

Episode Synopsis

What makes Mark Ybarra with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation a good neighbor?Ever wondered if you could actually afford to buy a home right now? You might be closer than you think.Meet Mark Ybarra from Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, a lending professional who's been helping people achieve homeownership since his unexpected career pivot from IBM during the 2002 tech bust. With candor and expertise, Mark dismantles the biggest obstacle keeping many renters from even exploring homeownership – the misconception that you need 20% down to buy a property.The truth is far more accessible. From FHA loans requiring just 3.5% down to VA loans offering 100% financing for veterans, Mark walks us through the surprising range of options available to buyers with different credit profiles and financial situations. Even those with credit scores as low as 580 have pathways to homeownership, with specialized programs for first-time buyers requiring as little as 3% down.What makes Mark's approach refreshing is his authenticity. Rather than pushing aggressive marketing, he builds his business through relationships and referrals, making himself available to clients around the clock. "I make myself available, pretty much to my detriment, like 24/7," he admits, demonstrating the level of service that has expanded his client base across four states. Between smoking meats on his 13-foot smoker, paddleboarding with family, and creating his backyard "honeycomb hideout," Mark brings the same passion to his personal life that he dedicates to helping clients make the biggest investment of their lives.Curious where you stand in today's mortgage market? Mark's advice is simple yet powerful: complete an application. You might discover you qualify for more than you imagined, or if not, get a personalized plan to improve your credit and path to homeownership. Ready to stop building someone else's equity through rent payments? Reach out to Mark and start the conversation today.To learn more about Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation go to: 🌐 www.fairwayindependentmc.comFairway Independent Mortgage Corporation 📞 +1 (817) 822-9195

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