Get Pre-Approved
with Confidence
Take the first step toward homeownership before you even start house hunting.
In partnership with Kim Cole · Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
Start Your Pre-Approval TodayWhy Getting Pre-Approved Matters
Know Your Budget
Understand how much home you can comfortably afford before you begin your search.
Strengthen Your Offer
Sellers prefer pre-approved buyers — especially in competitive Northeast Florida markets.
Save Time
Focus your energy on homes that match your price range and financial goals.
Close Faster
Much of the paperwork is already complete before you make an offer on your dream home.
Meet Kim Cole
"At Reel Keeper Home Team, we believe working with the right mortgage partner is just as important as working with the right Realtor."
With years of experience helping homebuyers across Florida, Kim Cole is dedicated to making the mortgage process smooth, transparent, and tailored to your goals. As a Senior Loan Officer with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, she provides access to a wide range of programs, competitive rates, and expert support every step of the way.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, upgrading to your next home, refinancing, or purchasing a second property — Kim will find the right loan solution for your unique situation.
The Pre-Approval Process
Initial Conversation
Discuss your goals, explore loan options, and set clear expectations for your home search.
Online Application
Complete a secure mortgage application with your financial details — quick and straightforward.
Document Review
Kim helps you gather pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements to build your file.
Credit Check
A credit review determines your best loan programs and identifies any opportunities.
Loan Analysis
Kim matches you with the ideal program — FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, or Jumbo.
Pre-Approval Letter
Receive your letter and start shopping for your Jacksonville-area home with confidence.
Understanding Your Mortgage Options
Conventional Loans
Ideal for buyers with strong credit and stable income — often the most flexible option available.
FHA Loans
Perfect for first-time buyers with smaller down payments and more flexible credit requirements.
VA Loans
Exclusive benefits for veterans and active-duty service members — often with no down payment required.
USDA Loans
Designed for eligible rural and suburban homebuyers with competitive rates and low costs.
Jumbo Loans
For homes exceeding standard loan limits — perfect for Jacksonville's waterfront and luxury properties.
Kim will walk you through each option, explaining rates, terms, and down payment requirements so you can make the most informed decision possible.
AFFORDABILITY CALCULATOR
Quite affordable.
Affordability Guide
Understanding the numbers behind your mortgage helps you make smarter decisions. Here's a breakdown of every term in the affordability calculator above.
Calculator Inputs
Annual Income
This is the combined annual income for you and your co-borrower before taxes. Include base salary, commissions, bonuses, overtime, tips, rental income, investment income, alimony, and child support.
Down Payment
The typical rule of thumb is 20% of the home's price, although some loan programs require as little as 3% to 3.5% down. Your down payment reduces the total loan amount — the more you put down, the lower your monthly payments or the more home you can afford.
Other Monthly Debts
Include minimum monthly credit card payments, car payments, student loans, alimony or child support, rental property maintenance, and any existing house payments (rent or mortgage) other than the new loan you're seeking.
Interest Rate
The calculator pre-fills the current average mortgage rate. Your actual rate will vary based on credit score, down payment amount, loan type, and market conditions at the time you lock your rate.
Loan Term & Type
Your loan program affects both your interest rate and your monthly payment amount
Fixed-Rate Mortgages
Your interest rate stays the same for the entire life of the loan — whether that's 15 or 30 years. Monthly payments never change, making budgeting predictable. This is the most popular choice for buyers who plan to stay in their home long-term.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)
ARMs start with a lower introductory rate that's fixed for a set period (typically 5 or 7 years), then adjust annually based on market conditions. A 5/1 ARM, for example, holds the initial rate for 5 years before resetting each year. This can be a smart option if you plan to sell or refinance before the adjustment period begins.
Loan Term Length
The most common terms are 30-year and 15-year fixed. A 30-year term gives you lower monthly payments but more total interest over time. A 15-year term means higher monthly payments but significantly less interest paid — and you own your home outright much sooner.
Monthly Costs Beyond Your Mortgage
Property Taxes
The calculator estimates property taxes based on the home's assessed value. In Duval County, the average effective rate is approximately 0.86%, though this varies by location and exemptions. You can adjust this figure in the calculator's advanced options.
Home Insurance
Homeowners insurance is typically required by lenders. In Florida, premiums tend to be higher than the national average due to hurricane and flood risk. Shopping multiple carriers — like our 5-Star partner Goosehead Insurance — can help you find the best coverage at a competitive rate. Adjust this figure in the advanced options.
HOA Fees
A homeowners association (HOA) fee is a monthly or quarterly payment required by owners in certain communities. HOAs use these funds to maintain shared amenities — pools, landscaping, gated entries, and community upkeep. In Northeast Florida, HOA fees range widely from under $50/month in smaller neighborhoods to $300+ in resort-style communities.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
Your DTI is your total minimum monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income, expressed as a percentage. It's one of the most important numbers lenders look at when deciding how much home you can afford.
Strong financial position. You'll qualify for the best rates and have plenty of room in your budget.
The conventional limit is 36%. Most buyers fall in this range and still qualify for competitive loan programs.
FHA loans may allow up to 41%. Above this range, options narrow — but Kim Cole can help explore every available path.
Have Questions About Your Numbers?
Our team and lending partner Kim Cole are here to walk you through every detail — no obligation, no pressure.
REVIEWS
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