Financing basics and a monthly payment estimator.

General information to help you frame your purchase. In this real estate engagement, Tim acts as your Realtor, not as your attorney. For loan advice, work with a licensed loan officer. For legal advice, engage the Law Offices of Timothy M. Stuart separately.

Monthly payment estimator

Adjust the inputs. Estimate updates live. For illustration only. Not a quote and not a commitment to lend.

Estimated total monthly payment
$0
Principal & interest$0
Property tax$0
Insurance$0
HOA / MR$0
PMI (if applicable)$0
Loan amount
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For illustration only. Not a loan quote, not an approval, and not a commitment to lend. Actual rates, terms, taxes, insurance, PMI thresholds, and HOA fees will vary. Consult a licensed loan officer for a real quote. Tim Stuart is your Realtor, not your loan officer and not your attorney; nothing in this calculator is financial, legal, or tax advice.

Common loan types, in plain English

Conventional (conforming)

Standard 30-year or 15-year loan, follows Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac guidelines. In 2026 the conforming loan limit in high-cost OC areas is materially higher than the national baseline; ask your lender for the current number. Usually needs 3% to 20% down and reasonable credit.

Jumbo

For loans above the conforming limit, common for coastal OC purchases. Typically requires 10% to 20%+ down, stronger credit, and more reserves. Rates and terms vary widely between lenders. Worth shopping.

FHA

Government-backed. Lower down payment (as low as 3.5%) and more forgiving credit standards. Comes with upfront and monthly mortgage insurance, often for the life of the loan on FHA-insured loans originated after 2013. Loan limits vary by county.

VA

Available to eligible veterans and active-duty service members. Often 0% down, no PMI, and competitive rates. Funding fee applies (waived for certain disability status). Check eligibility with the VA and a VA-approved lender.

Loan type comparisons are general and simplified. Every lender's programs, rates, and fees differ. Get a Loan Estimate from at least two lenders before committing.

Preferred lender list

Below is a short list of lenders Tim has worked with or referred clients to. You are free to work with any lender you choose.

[Placeholder: Preferred lender list]

Tim will fill in his trusted lender contacts before this page goes live. Each entry will include the loan officer's name, company, NMLS ID, phone, and email.

RESPA disclosure. Tim Stuart Real Estate receives no compensation, referral fee, gift, or thing of value from any lender listed above in exchange for a referral. Referrals are made based on Tim's professional experience with each lender. You are under no obligation to use any lender listed. Under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (12 U.S.C. ยง 2607), settlement service providers are prohibited from giving or accepting kickbacks or unearned fees for referrals of settlement service business.