The Handy Lender™ · Homeownership Path Finder™

Every buyer's path
looks different.

Answer a few honest questions and I'll show you every path that's realistic for your situation — including options most lenders never bring up.

First — does any of this describe your situation?
This one question changes which paths are available to you. Select everything that applies.
🎖️
Veteran or active duty military
VA loan eligibility — often the strongest option available
🩺
Medical or legal professional
MD, DO, DDS, PharmD, JD, and other qualifying designations
💼
Self-employed — aggressive write-offs
Tax returns show low income despite strong cash flow
🔑
I own a home I need to sell first
Can't carry two payments — need a bridge or buy-before-you-sell
✓
None of these apply
Standard buyer — let's look at all conventional paths
What price range are you targeting?
If you're not sure yet, use your best estimate. You can always adjust.
$500,000
Mid-range Colorado home
How much do you have saved for a down payment?
Include checking, savings, and investment accounts you'd consider using. Don't include retirement funds you can't easily access.
$25,000
Calculating as % of target price...
Gift funds available?
Family contributions that can be documented as a gift — not a loan.
No gift funds
Some available
$5k–$20k range
Significant
$20k+ available
What's your estimated credit score?
Being honest here matters — the paths change meaningfully by score range. Free check at Credit Karma or your bank app if you're not sure.
760 or above
Excellent — best rates available
720 – 759
Very good — strong options
680 – 719
Good — most programs available
640 – 679
Fair — solid options still available
580 – 639
Lower — limited but not impossible
Below 580
Most programs not available yet
What's your annual household income?
Combined if purchasing with a partner. Before taxes.
$110,000
Gross annual, before taxes
Monthly debt obligations?
Car payments, student loans, minimum credit card payments. Not utilities or rent.
$350
Monthly committed payments
First-time homebuyer?
Generally defined as not having owned a primary residence in the past 3 years.
Yes — first-time buyer
Haven't owned in 3+ years
I've owned before
Previous homeowner
Colorado county?
Affects property tax estimates and some program availability.
Step 1 of 6

No personal information required. Educational purposes only. Talk to Dean for a precise assessment.

D

Based on everything you shared, here's how I see your situation...

— Dean Reiber, The Handy Lender™
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Your homeownership paths — ranked by fit
Your next best move

Here's what I'd do first.

Talk through your options with Dean → See the real monthly cost

Important: All figures are estimates for educational purposes only. VA loan eligibility requires Certificate of Eligibility and lender approval. Doctor/professional loan programs vary by lender and designation. Bank statement loan programs require 12–24 months statements and vary by lender. Bridge loan and buy-before-you-sell programs have specific equity, income, and property requirements. Down payment assistance programs have income limits and eligibility requirements that change. Rates shown are approximate. This tool does not constitute a loan commitment or pre-approval. Dean Reiber NMLS #2463805 · Cornerstone First Mortgage NMLS #173855 · Equal Housing Lender.

The Handy Lender
Dean Reiber · Loan Officer · NMLS #2463805
Cornerstone First Mortgage · Company NMLS #173855 · Equal Housing Lender