Can I Qualify?
The rules mortgage lenders use to approve a home loan, explained in plain language — so you know exactly what to expect from application to closing.
Get your answers before anyone pulls your credit
Buying a home comes with a lot of personal questions. This guide lets you learn the rules privately, at your own pace — so when you do sit down with a lender, you walk in confident, prepared and in control.
No awkward credit conversations
Skip the uncomfortable talk about your credit history. Discover what lenders look for quietly, from the comfort of home, before you share a thing.
Keep your credit untouched
Hold off on a credit pull until you truly understand the process. Know where you stand first, then apply when you’re ready — not before.
Skip the long money talks
No more lengthy conversations about your personal finances just to find out the basics. Learn exactly what’s required — and save your time for finding the right home.
Your finances, your pace. Knowledge first, conversations second.
Everything lenders look at, in one guide
Most of the stress in buying a home comes from not knowing what to expect. Can I Qualify? walks you through every rule an underwriter checks — before you apply, so there are no surprises the week of closing.
The Loan Application
The W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements and IDs your lender will ask for.
Loan Types
How FHA, THDA, VA and other loan programs differ.
Credit & Debt
Collections, late payments, bankruptcies, foreclosures and co-signed loans.
Income & Employment
Job history, self-employment, overtime and pay stub rules.
Credit Scores
Why lenders pull your true score from Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.
Your Money
Bank statements, large deposits, unusual withdrawals and cash.
Letters & Wires
Writing letters of explanation and keeping your closing funds safe.
The 10 Commandments
What never to do between your application and closing day.
Clear, organized and easy to follow
Written for real buyers in real situations
Read it before you apply, keep it handy until closing.
- First-time buyers who want to understand the process before they start.
- Self-employed buyers who need to know how tax returns and profit & loss statements are used.
- Buyers rebuilding credit after late payments, collections, bankruptcy or foreclosure.
- Buyers going through life changes such as a divorce, a new job or a change in income.
- Anyone under contract who wants to avoid the mistakes that derail a loan the week of closing.
Quick answers before you buy
What is the first step to buying a home?
Meet with your Realtor first, then meet with a loan officer. Your Realtor helps you understand the market and your goals, and your loan officer tells you what you qualify for.
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
Most lenders set a minimum credit score, and the requirement varies by lender and loan program. Lenders pull your score directly from Equifax, TransUnion and Experian rather than using free credit score websites. Your loan officer can tell you the minimum for the loan you are applying for.
What should I avoid before closing on a home?
From the day you apply until the day you close, don't change jobs, buy a car, open new credit or buy furniture on credit, make large unexplained deposits, change bank accounts or co-sign a loan for anyone.
Do I need to have a whole lot of money saved?
Yes and no — it depends on your loan type. There are loans with ZERO down payment available!
Georgia Evans
“Education empowers people. That’s why I wrote this guide — we don’t want preventable mistakes that affect all kinds of people.”
Georgia Evans is the owner of Georgia Evans Realty. After seeing too many buyers and lenders discover a costly error the week of closing, she wrote Can I Qualify? to give buyers the rules up front.
If you need a REALTOR® in Middle Tennessee, I can help you — or just buy the book to get you started.
Need a Realtor somewhere else?
If you need a Realtor in another area, let me know and I will refer a quality REALTOR® to you in your area.
Ready to find out if you qualify?
Get your copy of the guidebook and take the first step toward your new home with confidence.
This guide provides general information only and is not a commitment to lend or legal, tax or financial advice. Loan programs and requirements vary by lender and change over time. Always confirm requirements with your loan officer.