Top 10 Questions to Ask a Mortgage Broker in San Diego Before You Apply

Quick Answers: The 10 Questions You Should Ask

If you’re short on time, here are the top 10 questions to ask a mortgage broker in San Diego before you apply, plus quick, direct answers:

1. What loan programs do you offer?
   Look for a broker who offers conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, and Non-QM options so you’re not limited to one type of loan.
2. How will you help me choose the best loan for my situation?
   A good broker looks at your income, credit, goals, and timeline—not just the lowest rate on paper.
3. What will my total monthly payment be?
   Make sure you see the full picture: principal, interest, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and HOA (if any).
4. How much can I comfortably afford in San Diego’s market?
   You want a pre-approval that fits your lifestyle, not just the maximum you qualify for on paper.
5. What fees will I pay, and how are you compensated?
   Ask for a simple breakdown of lender fees, third-party fees, and how your broker gets paid.
6. How fast can you close in a competitive area like North Park, La Jolla, or Clairemont?
   In San Diego, having a strong pre-approval and quick closing timelines can help your offer stand out.
7. Do you work with first-time buyers, VA buyers, and self-employed clients?
   Experience with your specific situation matters a lot in this market.
8. How will you communicate with me during the process?
   You should know how often you’ll get updates—and whether you can text, call, or email.
   
   
9. What happens if something changes before closing?
   A strong broker will have backup plans for job changes, credit updates, or appraisal issues.
10. Why should I choose you instead of a big bank?
    Look for a clear answer about local expertise, access to multiple lenders, and personalized service.
    

Now, let me slow down, walk you through each of these, and show you how I handle them as your local San Diego mortgage broker.

Who I Am and How I Help San Diego Homebuyers

Hi, I’m Trevor Sanders, owner of SD-Loans and a mortgage broker based right here in San Diego. I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of families buy homes from Chula Vista up to Oceanside, from condos in Mission Valley to single-family homes in La Mesa and Clairemont.

At SD-Loans, we focus on three things:

• Local expertise – We know the San Diego market, from price ranges near Balboa Park to coastal premiums in La Jolla and Del Mar.
• Clear communication – No confusing jargon. Just honest, simple explanations.
• Tailored solutions – Your loan should match your life, not the other way around.

“My job is to make the mortgage feel simple, not stressful—and to help you feel confident at every step of the process.” – Trevor Sanders, Owner of SD-Loans

Let’s break down the top questions you should ask any mortgage broker in San Diego—and how I personally answer them.

Question #1 – What Loan Programs Do You Offer for San Diego Buyers?

Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, and Non-QM in Plain Language

In a city like San Diego, one loan type definitely does not fit everyone. Between high home prices, military families, self-employed professionals, and first-time buyers, you need options.

At SD-Loans, I work with a wide range of programs, including:

• Conventional home loans – Great for buyers with solid credit and a good down payment.
• FHA loans – Popular with first-time buyers who need lower down payments and more flexible credit guidelines.
• VA loans – For eligible veterans and active-duty service members; often zero down and no PMI.
• Jumbo loans – For higher-priced homes in areas like La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, and parts of Carlsbad.
• Non-QM loans – For self-employed buyers, investors, or anyone with non-traditional income or recent credit events.
   

When you ask this question, you’re really making sure your broker isn’t limited to just one bank or one type of loan. You want a full “toolbox,” not just a single tool.

Question #2 – How Will You Help Me Choose the Right Loan for My Situation?

Matching Your Budget, Credit, and Long-Term Goals

This is where experience and communication really matter.

When we talk, I’ll ask about:

• Your monthly budget (not just what a computer says you can afford)
• Your credit score and history
• Your job and income—W-2, self-employed, commission, or a mix
• Your down payment and whether you’re using gift funds
• Your plans—Is this a starter condo in North Park or a long-term home in Serra Mesa?

From there, I lay out 2–3 loan options in clear, simple language. We’ll compare:

• Monthly payments
• Cash needed to close
• Short-term vs. long-term pros and cons

I never push one product just because it’s easier. My goal is to match the loan to your life and future plans.

Question #3 – What Will My Total Monthly Payment Really Look Like?

Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance, and HOA Explained

In San Diego, this question is huge—especially with higher home prices and different tax and HOA situations across neighborhoods.

Your full monthly housing cost usually includes:

• Principal & interest – Your actual mortgage payment
• Property taxes – Based on the county and property value
• Homeowner’s insurance – To protect your home
• Mortgage insurance (if required) – For lower down payments
• HOA dues (if a condo or certain communities) – Common in places like Mission Valley, East Village, or downtown near Petco Park

When you ask this question with me, I’ll show you a clear number, not just a rate:

• “Here’s what a $750,000 home in Clairemont could look like each month with 10% down.”
• “Here’s what a $1.2M home in La Jolla might look like using a jumbo loan.”

That way, you can picture your real budget—not just a pre-approval letter.

Question #4 – How Much Can I Actually Afford in San Diego’s Market?

Balancing Pre-Approval Numbers with Real-Life Lifestyle

A lender might tell you that you can qualify for a certain amount—but that doesn’t always mean it will feel comfortable.

I’ll ask you:

• Do you like to eat out in Little Italy or North Park often?
• Do you have kids in sports or private school?
• Are you trying to save for retirement or future investments?

From there, we’ll talk about:

• Your comfort zone payment vs. your maximum approval
• How different price points in areas like Chula Vista, Santee, or Oceanside affect your budget
• Whether it makes sense to stretch a little now—or stay more conservative

My goal is not to max out your approval. My goal is to help you sleep at night after you buy the home.

Question #5 – What Fees Should I Expect, and Who Gets Paid What?

Lender Fees, Third-Party Fees, and My Compensation

This is a smart question—and one that too many buyers skip.

Here’s what you should ask any broker:

• What are the lender fees?
• What are third-party fees (appraisal, title, escrow, credit report, etc.)?
• How do you, as the broker, get paid?

In many cases, my compensation is paid by the lender and is already built into the rate. I’ll walk you through your Loan Estimate, line by line, so you can see:

• What’s required at closing
• What’s optional
• Where your money is actually going

No surprises, no hidden junk fees.

Question #6 – How Fast Can You Close in Competitive Areas Like North Park or La Jolla?

Timelines That Stand Out in Multiple-Offer Situations

In San Diego, speed matters.

If you’re making an offer on a home in Clairemont, North Park, or near the coast, the seller wants to know: Can you actually close on time?

When you ask me this question, here’s what I explain:

• Typical closings are around 21–30 days, depending on the loan type.
• In some cases, with a strong file and responsive client, we can close even faster.
• We work closely with your real estate agent so your offer looks solid and reliable.

I’ll also talk with your agent and, when helpful, the listing agent, to let them know:

• You’re fully pre-approved (not just pre-qualified).
• We’ve already reviewed income, assets, and credit.
• We have a clear, realistic closing timeline.

That kind of communication can help your offer stand out—especially when you’re up against multiple buyers.

Question #7 – Do You Have Experience with VA, Self-Employed, or First-Time Buyers?

Real-Life Examples from San Diego Clients

Different loan types need different expertise:

• VA buyers – Many are stationed at places like Naval Base San Diego or MCAS Miramar. VA guidelines and benefits are unique.
• Self-employed buyers – From tech consultants to local business owners in Kearny Mesa or East County, income can look “messy” on paper.
• First-time buyers – Often need more education and step-by-step guidance.

At SD-Loans, I’ve helped:

• Military families use their VA benefits to buy near Chula Vista, Oceanside, and Imperial Beach.
• Self-employed buyers qualify using bank statements, profit and loss, or Non-QM options.
• First-time buyers in areas like City Heights, La Mesa, and Spring Valley navigate down payments, closing costs, and gift funds.
    

When you ask this question, you’re checking that your broker has walked this road many times before—with people just like you.

Question #8 – How Will You Communicate with Me During the Process?

Calls, Texts, Email, and Updates from Application to Keys

Buying a home in San Diego can be stressful—but it doesn’t have to be confusing.

Ask your broker:

• How will you keep me updated?
• Can I text you if I have a quick question?
• Who do I talk to if something comes up during escrow?

With me, you’ll have:

• Direct access – Call or text me at 619-855-5061.
• Regular updates – You’ll know when we hit each milestone: pre-approval, appraisal, conditional approval, and “clear to close.”
• Real explanations – If underwriting asks for something, I’ll explain why and what it means.

You shouldn’t ever feel like you’re in the dark.

Question #9 – What Happens If Something Changes with My Job, Credit, or the Property?

How We Problem-Solve Together When Life Happens

Life doesn’t always stay still during a home purchase.

Maybe:

• Your employer changes your pay structure.
• You decide to buy a car right before closing (please talk to me first!).
• The appraisal comes in lower than expected.

When you ask this question, you’re testing your broker’s problem-solving skills.

Here’s how I handle it:

• We walk through backup options (different loan structures, seller credits, or different price points).
• I communicate closely with your real estate agent so we stay aligned.
• If we need to adjust the plan, we do it together—not at the last minute, and not in a panic.

The goal is always the same: protect your long-term financial health and still get you into the right home when possible.

Question #10 – Why Should I Work with You Instead of a Big Bank?

Local, Relationship-Driven, and Client-First Approach

This might be the most important question of all.

Here’s my honest answer:

• I’m not a call center. When you work with me, you get one point of contact who knows your story from start to finish.
• I work with multiple lenders, so I can compare options and terms on your behalf.
• I live and work right here in San Diego, and I care about building long-term relationships—not just closing one loan.

“I treat every loan like it’s for a friend or family member—because that’s the level of care you deserve when you’re making one of the biggest decisions of your life.” – Trevor Sanders, Owner of SD-Loans

Big banks may be able to offer loans—but they often can’t match the personal guidance and flexibility a local broker provides.

Local San Diego Touches to Consider When You Talk to a Broker

When you’re talking with your mortgage broker, it helps to think about where in San Diego you want to buy. Different areas come with different price points, HOA patterns, and tax impacts.

For example:

• Downtown / East Village / Little Italy – Lots of condos, which means HOA dues and sometimes special assessments.
• Pacific Beach / Mission Beach – Higher prices, potential short-term rental rules, and strong demand.
• La Jolla / Del Mar / Rancho Santa Fe – Luxury markets with jumbo loans and higher down payments.
• Chula Vista / Otay Ranch – Growing communities with newer homes and master-planned HOAs.
• North Park / Normal Heights / South Park – Older homes, character properties, and varied price ranges.
• Oceanside / Vista / San Marcos – Great options for buyers looking for more space and sometimes better price-per-square-foot.

Tell your broker what area you’re drawn to, and ask:

• “What kind of loan tends to work best in this part of San Diego?”
• “What should I know about taxes, HOAs, or price ranges here?”

That’s where local expertise becomes a real advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do you work with first-time homebuyers in San Diego?

Yes. I work with first-time homebuyers all over San Diego County—from condos near SDSU to starter homes in La Mesa, Chula Vista, and Oceanside. I take extra time to explain each step so you feel confident, not rushed.

2. Can you help me if I’m stationed at Naval Base San Diego or MCAS Miramar and using a VA loan?

Absolutely. I have extensive experience helping active-duty military and veterans use their VA benefits to buy homes in places like Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and Oceanside. We’ll walk through zero-down options, funding fees, and how VA loans compare to other programs.

3. I’m self-employed in San Diego. Can I still qualify for a home loan?

Yes, you can. Many San Diegans are self-employed, especially in tech, real estate, and small business. I work with lenders who offer bank-statement and Non-QM options so we can look at your full financial picture, not just a W-2.

4. How early should I talk to a mortgage broker before I start house-hunting?

Ideally, you should talk to a broker 3–6 months before you plan to buy. This gives us time to review your credit, build a plan, and get you pre-approved so you’re ready when the right home hits the market.

5. Do you only serve buyers in the city of San Diego, or all of San Diego County?

I serve clients across all of San Diego County—from downtown high-rises to homes near Balboa Park, to coastal communities like Encinitas and Carlsbad, and inland areas like Poway and Santee.

Final Thoughts: Start with the Right Questions, Not Just the Right Rate

The truth is, getting a mortgage in San Diego isn’t just about finding the lowest rate you see online. It’s about:

• Understanding your options
• Choosing a loan that supports your long-term goals
• Having a guide you trust in a competitive, high-cost market

When you sit down with a mortgage broker—whether it’s me or someone else—use these 10 questions to lead the conversation. They’ll help you quickly see who is truly on your side.

If you’re ready to explore your options, I’d be honored to talk with you.

Call or text me at 619-855-5061, or visit SD-Loans to schedule a consultation. 

Let’s bring your homeownership goals into focus—together.