Buying a home? Then understanding your mortgage isn’t optional — it’s essential. 🏡

In this video, we break down everything you need to know about the mortgage process — without the jargon, the fluff, or the fine print that trips people up later.

Here’s what we cover:
✅ The 5 key steps to getting approved for a mortgage — and how to avoid rookie mistakes
✅ The difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval (and why it matters)
✅ How lenders actually calculate your DTI (debt-to-income) ratio and credit risk
✅ The real cost behind that “low rate” — understanding APR, fees, and points
✅ How to protect yourself from predatory or deceptive loan offers
✅ What smart homeowners do before signing — reading disclosures the right way

Whether you’re buying your first home or refinancing, this guide helps you make informed, confident decisions.

💡 Real estate isn’t just about finding the right home — it’s about structuring the right loan to protect your future.

📍 Serving San Diego, Riverside, Orange County, and nationwide through a personally vetted network of trusted agents.

🛡️ What We Fight For

We don’t sell homes—we clarify systems. We don’t push deals—we protect equity. Every data point above reflects a consistent truth: the cost of ownership, relative to income, has remained stable across generations. If you’re navigating a complex transition—probate, pre-foreclosure, Prop 19—we’re here to help you make decisions based on facts, not nostalgia.

💼 Why Work With Us?

✔️ We ensure your sale or purchase is legal, safe, and protected
✔️ We prevent the expensive mistakes others miss
✔️ We fight to maximize your profit and protect your future
✔️ We’re not here for fluff—we’re here to deliver results with integrity

💼 HomesinSDCounty: Local Power. Nationwide Reach.
✅ Experts in Probate, Pre-Foreclosure & Distressed Sales
✅ Strategic Advisors in Residential, Investment & Commercial Real Estate
✅ No fluff. Just relentless advocacy and smart protection.

💥 Explore Our Valuable FREE Real Estate Resources
✓ eBooks | ✓ Checklists | ✓ Buying & Selling Guides | ✓ Investor Tools
Download now

📲 Brad & Karen Mattonen
HomesinSDCounty | Coldwell Banker West
858-518-2875 | homesinsdcounty.com
Your Smart Move—Wherever Life Takes You.

Let’s connect and talk about the latest insights in the industry! #FirstTimeHomebuyer #MortgageTips #HomeLoanAdvice #CaliforniaRealEstate #SanDiegoRealEstate #BuyAHome #HomeFinancing #RealEstateTips #BradAndKarenMattonen #HomesInSDCounty

Let’s connect and talk about the latest insights in the industry! #FirstTimeHomebuyer #MortgageTips #HomeLoanAdvice #CaliforniaRealEstate #SanDiegoRealEstate #BuyAHome #HomeFinancing #RealEstateTips #BradAndKarenMattonen #HomesInSDCounty