Rein Mortgages
Guiding You Home
Welcome to Rein Mortgages, your dedicated partner in finding the perfect mortgage solution. Erica O'Callaghan is here to guide you through the process and secure the best financing options tailored to your needs.


Dedicated Mortgage Broker
With over 20 years of expertise in banking, investments, and management, Erica is dedicated to helping clients find the perfect fit mortgage for her clients. Known for her critical thinking skills and her tenacity when situations aren't cookie cutter. She believes in creating strong relationships backed by her background in health and fitness, which ensures a calm and enjoyable process for everyone involved. Rein stands for the recognition that Erica grew up in the horse world, and the saying "take the reins" is something Erica has always viewed as being a driver behind everything she does, including navigating the home buying process with confidence, care, and teamwork.

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How does a mortgage broker differ from a bank?Unlike a bank, which can only offer its own products, a mortgage broker works with multiple lenders to find the best loan options for you.
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I want to buy an investment property, what do I need to do?Improve Your Credit Score: Aim for at least 620, 700+ for better rates. Save for a Larger Down Payment: Typically 15–25% down. Show Stable Income: Provide documentation like pay stubs or tax returns. Maintain a Low Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Keep DTI below 36–43%. Have Cash Reserves: 6+ months of mortgage payments saved. Show Rental Income Potential: Provide rental income estimates or lease agreements. Understand Property Type: Requirements vary by property type (e.g., single-family, multi-unit). Choose the Right Loan Type: Consider conventional, government, or portfolio loans. Prepare for Higher Interest Rates: Investment property loans usually have higher rates. Demonstrate Real Estate Experience (Optional): Experience may strengthen your application. Next Steps: Get Pre-Approved: Know your budget and strengthen offers. Consult a Mortgage Broker: Compare options for the best terms.
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What documents do I need to provide to a mortgage broker?You'll need to provide proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns), credit history, employment details, and information about your debts and assets.
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If my bank says I don't qualify for a mortgage, what can I do?If your bank said no to your mortgage application, don’t worry—let's take a look at why and find solutions to get you back on track. I can help identify areas that need improvement, like your debt-to-income ratio, and provide a personalized plan to get you qualified. The best part? Working with a mortgage broker like me is completely free to you. Reach out, and let’s work together to get you into your dream home!
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What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?Pre-qualification is an estimate based on your self-reported financial information, while pre-approval is a more thorough process involving lender verification.
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I see lower rates than I was quoted, why is that?Improved Credit Score: A better credit score may qualify you for a lower rate. Market Changes: Interest rates may have dropped after your initial quote. Better Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Reducing your debt can improve your DTI and result in a lower rate. Increased Down Payment: A larger down payment can reduce your loan-to-value ratio and lower your rate. Loan Product Differences: You may qualify for a government-backed loan (like FHA or VA) offering a better rate. Discount Points: Buying discount points can reduce your interest rate. Switching Lenders: Shopping around may lead to better rates from different lenders. Closing Date Changes: Closing sooner than expected might qualify you for a lower rate. Refinancing/Reworking Terms: Adjusting the loan terms can result in a better rate. Promotions/Special Offers: Lenders may offer temporary rate reductions through promotions. Economic Shifts: Federal rate cuts or market changes can lower mortgage rates. Stronger Financial Profile: A more stable job, higher income, or better savings may lower your rate.
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What type of mortgage should I choose?Your broker will help you decide based on your financial situation. Options include fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, FHA, VA, and conventional loans.
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Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?Yes, but it may be harder and come with higher interest rates. Your broker can help you explore options like FHA loans or subprime mortgages.
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Do I pay a fee to work with a mortgage broker?Most mortgage brokers are paid by the lender, not the borrower. Their service is typically free for you.
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Can a mortgage broker help me with refinancing?Yes, a mortgage broker can help you find the best refinancing options, whether you're looking to lower your interest rate, shorten your loan term, or tap into your home’s equity.
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How do I know if I’m getting the best deal on my mortgage?A mortgage broker can help you compare multiple lenders’ offers, including interest rates, fees, and loan terms, to ensure you're getting the best deal.
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What happens if my mortgage application is denied?If your mortgage application is denied, your broker can work with you to understand why, suggest improvements to your financial profile, and help you reapply or explore other options.
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What should I do if I’m not sure how much house I can afford?Your mortgage broker can help you assess your budget, consider your income and expenses, and determine the loan amount that fits your financial situation.
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What is the mortgage closing process?The closing process includes signing the final loan documents, paying closing costs, and transferring ownership of the property. Your broker will guide you through the steps.
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Who pays for an appraisal?The lender will order an appraisal and the client (you) is responsible for paying for the appraisal. You do not get the appraisal afterwards as it is owned by the lender (government rules), but you do get the information from it. This will be discussed in the intro call and if you have questions, you can always ask your broker about it.
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What is a rate lock, and should I use it?A rate lock locks in your interest rate for a set period (usually 30–60 days). It’s useful if you think rates might rise before your loan closes.
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How long does it take to get pre-approved for a mortgage?Pre-approval can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the complexity of your financial situation and the lender’s processing time.
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What are closing costs, and how much should I expect to pay?Closing costs include fees for processing the loan, title insurance, appraisals, inspections, and other services. They typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount.
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Can I get a mortgage if I’m self-employed?Yes, but you’ll need to provide additional documentation, such as tax returns, profit-and-loss statements, and business records, to prove your income.
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Can I get a mortgage if I have student loan debt?Yes, but your student loan debt will be factored into your debt-to-income ratio, which affects how much you can borrow. Managing or reducing student debt can improve your chances of approval.
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Do I need a home inspection before getting a mortgage?While a home inspection is not always required by the lender, it’s highly recommended to ensure the property is in good condition and doesn’t have hidden issues that could affect its value or your ability to secure a loan. This could be a condition in the purchase agreement.
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Can I use a co-signer on my mortgage?Yes, a co-signer can help you qualify for a mortgage if you have limited credit or income. The co-signer will be responsible for the mortgage payments if you default.
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What happens if the property appraisal is lower than the purchase price?If the appraisal is lower than the agreed-upon purchase price, you may need to renegotiate the price with the seller, increase your down payment, or consider a different loan option.
Quick Tips
What in the home buying process does this even mean?!

Work with me for FREE
Discover the benefits of working with a mortgage broker—it's completely FREE for you! We don't charge clients any fees; instead, we receive compensation from the lender once your deal is funded. This ensures that your best interests are our top priority as we search for the perfect mortgage tailored to your needs!

Not all Mortgages are the Same
Looking for the best mortgage rate? You might find rates that are lower than what we've quoted you. Keep in mind, there are many factors at play, such as your debt, down payment, and income. During our initial consultation, we'll go over these variables in detail and create a personalized plan that suits your needs!

Benefits of using a Mortgage Broker
Mortgage brokers offer personalized guidance, access to up to 50 lenders and a variety of mortgage products. This increases your options for better rates. We work closely with both conventional and private lenders to stay in the know of the latest rates and products available. Our expertise helps you secure a mortgage tailored to your financial goals.
Client Testimonials
Satisfied Customers Speak
Happy Client
Anonymous
Erica helped me secure a mortgage that enabled me to make a big move for my career. Her hard work and commitment to ensuring everything worked out was top notch!
Prospective Client
I came to Erica for guidance in preparation to buy my first home. We worked together to setup a plan that will prepare me for this process. I will be using her when it's time to apply for my mortgage, as she was very thorough and provided me with all the information I need