Lending
Kansas City Mortgage & Home Financing Resources
From your first pre-approval to the closing table, Sellstate Heartland Realty works with Guild Mortgage and Senior Loan Officer Jeremy Wassink to help Kansas City-area buyers explore financing options, understand buying power and make informed decisions before they start shopping.
When Should You Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage?
Ideally, talk with a mortgage lender before you seriously start shopping for homes. A pre-approval can help you understand your estimated buying power, loan options, expected cash needed for closing and potential monthly payment.
Knowing those numbers before you fall in love with a house can make the home search much more productive.
GUILD MORTGAGE • JEREMY WASSINK
Find the Loan to Fit Your Life
Mortgage financing is not one-size-fits-all. The right loan depends on your income, debt, credit profile, down payment, property type, military eligibility, occupancy plans and long-term goals.
Sellstate Heartland Realty works with Jeremy Wassink, Senior Loan Officer with Guild Mortgage, NMLS #2028420, as a preferred lending resource for Kansas City buyers.
Jeremy is a former U.S. Marine who completed three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and brings experience with VA borrowers, investors, first-time buyers and traditional mortgage financing.
What Types of Mortgage Loans May Be Available?
Conventional Loans
Conventional mortgages are common financing options for buyers who meet applicable credit, income and underwriting requirements.
FHA Loans
FHA financing can provide another path to homeownership for qualified borrowers and may allow lower down-payment requirements than some buyers expect.
VA Loans
Eligible service members and veterans may qualify for VA-backed mortgage financing with features designed specifically for eligible military borrowers.
USDA Loans
Qualified buyers purchasing eligible properties in qualifying areas may have access to USDA rural-development financing.
Down Payment Assistance
Depending on the buyer and selected loan program, local, statewide or lender-sponsored assistance programs may be available.
Investor Financing
Investors may have different financing options based on property type, occupancy, income structure, portfolio and investment goals.
You May Need Less Money Down Than You Think
One of the most persistent homebuying myths is that you must have 20% down before you can purchase a house.
That is not true for many mortgage programs. Qualified buyers may have access to conventional, FHA, VA, USDA or assistance programs with much smaller upfront requirements.
✓ Ask what loan programs you may qualify for
✓ Ask about down-payment and closing-cost assistance
✓ Compare monthly payment — not just purchase price
✓ Understand your estimated cash to close
✓ Find out whether mortgage insurance applies
What Is Debt-to-Income Ratio, and Why Does It Matter?
Your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI, compares qualifying monthly debt payments with your qualifying monthly income. Mortgage lenders use DTI as one part of determining how much debt a borrower may reasonably be able to carry.
Debts That May Affect DTI
• Auto loans
• Credit-card obligations
• Student loans
• Personal loans
• Other qualifying monthly obligations
Why It Matters
Adding a major new monthly payment shortly before buying a home can change mortgage qualification.
That is why buyers should generally talk with their lender before financing a new vehicle, opening new credit accounts or making another major financial change during the mortgage process.
Thinking About Buying a Car Before Buying a House?
Talk with your mortgage lender first. A new car payment can affect DTI and may change the amount of mortgage financing for which you qualify.
Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval
Pre-Qualification
A pre-qualification may provide an early estimate based on information supplied by the borrower and the lender's process.
Pre-Approval
A pre-approval typically involves a more detailed review of financial information. Exact requirements and terminology vary by lender and loan program.
In competitive situations, having financing reviewed early can help reduce uncertainty once you find the right property.
What Makes Up a Monthly Mortgage Payment?
Your total housing payment can include much more than principal and interest.
Principal & Interest
The amount applied toward the loan balance plus the cost of borrowing money.
Property Taxes
Property taxes may be collected through an escrow account, depending on the mortgage and borrower circumstances.
Homeowners Insurance
Lenders generally require acceptable property insurance on a financed home.
Mortgage Insurance
Certain mortgage programs or down-payment structures may include mortgage-insurance costs.
HOA Dues
Homeowners-association dues can affect your total monthly housing expense and qualification.
Other Loan Costs
Depending on the loan, property and program, other recurring expenses may also apply.
Can You Buy Your Next Home Before Selling Your Current One?
Sometimes. Buyers who already own a home often face a timing challenge: much of their down-payment money may be tied up in their existing home's equity.
Depending on qualification and available programs, a lender may be able to discuss strategies designed to help coordinate the purchase of the next home with the eventual sale of the current property.
✓ Review available equity in your current home
✓ Discuss whether you can qualify before your existing home sells
✓ Explore applicable bridge or equity-based financing strategies
✓ Coordinate purchase and sale timelines with your lender and real estate agent
The Goal: Avoid a Rushed Double Move
When the financing works, buying before selling may allow some homeowners to move into their next property before placing the old home on the market. Eligibility and terms vary.
VA Home Loan Financing in the Kansas City Area
Eligible active-duty service members, veterans and certain surviving spouses may have access to VA-backed mortgage financing.
Jeremy's military background can provide useful perspective when helping eligible military borrowers understand the VA mortgage process.
✓ VA eligibility and entitlement review
✓ PCS and relocation financing discussions
✓ VA appraisal and property-requirement guidance
✓ Coordination between lender and buyer's real estate agent
What Should You Avoid Doing Before Closing?
Mortgage approval is based on financial information that may be reviewed again before closing. Significant changes can affect the loan.
✕ Don't finance a new vehicle without talking to your lender
✕ Don't open new credit accounts without discussing them
✕ Don't make large unexplained bank deposits
✕ Don't move large sums between accounts unnecessarily
✕ Don't change jobs without discussing the impact
✕ Don't assume pre-approval means nothing can change
When in doubt, call your lender before making the financial move.
Your Lender and Buyer Agent Have Different Jobs
Your Mortgage Lender
Helps you understand financing, qualification, loan programs, estimated payment, cash to close, underwriting and mortgage deadlines.
Your Sellstate Buyer Agent
Helps you search for homes, evaluate properties, understand the market, prepare offers, negotiate terms and navigate the real estate contract.
The internet helps you find homes. Your lender helps establish the financing. Your Sellstate agent helps you decide whether the home, price and contract actually make sense.
Already Know Your Buying Power?
Once you have a financing plan, Sellstate Heartland Realty can build a Kansas City-area property search around the homes that actually fit your price range and goals.
SELLSTATE PREFERRED LENDING RESOURCE
Jeremy Wassink
Senior Loan Officer
Guild Mortgage
NMLS ID #2028420
Phone: (850) 529-6241
Email: jwassink@guildmortgage.com
Guild Mortgage Profile:
View Jeremy's Guild Mortgage Page
Talk With Jeremy About
✓ Mortgage pre-approval
✓ First-time homebuyer programs
✓ VA financing
✓ FHA and conventional loans
✓ Down-payment assistance
✓ Move-up and Buy Before You Sell strategies
✓ Investor financing
LENDING BYTES
Simple Financing Insight for Kansas City Buyers, Sellers & Homeowners
Mortgage financing can feel complicated because rates, underwriting, loan programs and individual financial situations all vary.
Our Lending Bytes resources are designed to turn those topics into practical questions you can actually use when planning your next move.
Debt & Buying Power
Learn why car payments, credit-card debt and other monthly obligations can affect mortgage qualification.
Buying Before Selling
Explore financing questions homeowners should ask when their equity is tied up in the home they currently own.
Stronger Pre-Approval
Understand why reviewing financing early can reduce surprises after you go under contract.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mortgages in Kansas City
How much money do I need to buy a house?
It depends on the mortgage program, property, borrower eligibility, closing costs and available assistance. Many buyers do not need a 20% down payment.
Should I get pre-approved before looking at houses?
Usually, yes. Understanding your financing before seriously shopping can help establish a realistic price range and reduce surprises later.
Does getting pre-approved guarantee my mortgage?
No. Final loan approval depends on underwriting, verification of information, the property, appraisal when required, loan conditions and other applicable requirements.
Do I need 20% down?
No. Many mortgage programs permit qualified borrowers to purchase with substantially less than 20% down. Eligibility and costs vary.
Can a car payment affect how much house I qualify for?
Yes. A qualifying monthly car payment can increase your debt-to-income ratio and may affect mortgage qualification.
Should I buy a car before buying a home?
Talk with your mortgage lender first. Taking on new debt before or during the mortgage process may affect qualification.
Can I use a VA loan to buy a home in Kansas City?
Eligible military borrowers may use VA financing for qualifying properties, subject to VA, lender and underwriting requirements.
Can I buy my next house before selling my current home?
Some homeowners may qualify for financing strategies that help coordinate buying before selling. Whether that works depends on equity, income, debt, available programs and lender requirements.
Can down-payment assistance help with buying a house?
Qualified borrowers may have access to state, local or lender assistance programs. Income, purchase-price, credit, occupancy and other program requirements may apply.
Who is Sellstate Heartland Realty's preferred lending resource?
Sellstate Heartland Realty works with Jeremy Wassink, Senior Loan Officer with Guild Mortgage, NMLS #2028420. Jeremy can be reached at (850) 529-6241.
Other Sellstate Preferred Real Estate Services
Financing Is Step One. Finding the Right Home Is Step Two.
Once you understand what your financing looks like, Sellstate Heartland Realty can help you search the Kansas City metro, compare properties and structure an offer around your goals.
Ready to Find Out What You Can Afford?
Whether you're buying your first Kansas City home, using VA financing, moving up, investing or simply trying to understand what it would take to buy, start by getting the financing facts.
Jeremy Wassink
Senior Loan Officer
Guild Mortgage
NMLS #2028420
(850) 529-6241
jwassink@guildmortgage.com
Sellstate Heartland Realty is a real estate brokerage and is not a mortgage lender. Mortgage qualification, loan programs, interest rates, down-payment requirements, closing costs, underwriting decisions and loan terms are determined by the applicable lender and loan program.
Loan programs, rates, eligibility and availability may change without notice. All loans are subject to applicable underwriting and program requirements.
Guild Mortgage Company; NMLS #3274. Equal Housing Opportunity. Jeremy Wassink, Senior Loan Officer, NMLS #2028420.
Testimonials
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Charles is amazing! He took a stressful situation and made it easy. He has alot of knowledge and resources to help the home buyer. He keeps good communication with his clients. I would recommend him for your next home purchase. 😀
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- Kim Ridgley
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Charles has assisted me in several real estate transactions, both selling and buying. We've purchased/sold properties in 3 different cities, both in town and rural. One very convenient tool of his business is a system that sends us emails of available properties that fit our specific criteria. Charles takes his time in photographing the properties - he's a professional photographer, so he knows what he's doing there! All the rooms are very well lit, and he uses spotlights on top of natural light, so the shadows are minimal. He is very skilled in hosting open-house showings; advertising, signage, flyers, property attraction, etc. All of our closings have been without incident - timely and smooth! I would highly recommend Charles for any type of real estate needs or questions.
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- Annie Fontanez
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Charles, was very professional, calm, living in the present moments, aligning me in correct thinking when I'm prostrate.d. He was not just my realtor, but my friend and my teacher towards my journey of selling my house. His very knowledgeable of whatever ups and down in realty business. Thank you Charles!
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- Hilda Coleman
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When we began the process of selling/buying our home Charles reached out and set an appointment with us. He was always respectful, prompt, and was excellent at communicating with us. His completed an analysis of the home we wanted to sell and his suggested selling price was identical to the price we got for our home - he absolutely nailed it. Charles listened carefully to type of home we were interested in and within two weeks we had on offer out on a home. Notably, this was a showing that Charles set for us. We didn't select this home. In my opinion, this indicates that Charles had a strong understanding of our desires from our conversations. Charles did a great job negotiating on our behalf as well. Every aspect of the sell/buy was easy with him because his communication skills are tremendous. We would absolutely work with Charles again!
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- Jeanette Stein
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Charles was amazing. He sold our home before having to list it, at a ridiculous amount over asking! We needed it gone as soon as possible for our Mother's senior care. He didn't hesitate to get the job done.
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- Matilda Reed
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Charles, was very professional, calm, living in the present moments, aligning me in correct thinking when I'm prostrate.d. He was not just my realtor, but my friend and my teacher towards my journey of selling my house. His very knowledgeable of whatever ups and down in realty business. Thank you Charles!
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- Hilda Coleman
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My wife and I were looking for an inexpensive "flip" house and were connected with Charles thru luck. After a few minutes of listening to us he knew what we were hoping to do and was working for us. He has experience with income properties and provided us with a lot of great advice and some additional resources that really made a huge difference. He was always available and never left was waiting for answers. We've been involved in the sale/purchase of 5 properties over the past 10 years and Charles is the best realtor we've worked with bar none. Don't miss an opportunity to let Charles work for you. He's awesome.
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- Robert Wheeler
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I lived 2000 miles away, was moving to a new state, and was a first time home buyer. I didn't really know how or where to begin, and Charles called me after I expressed interest in a house online. From that moment on, he was like an angel that fell into my life to help me get through the process. Before I even arrived to Missouri, he had me set up with emails about houses that fit my criteria, and when I arrived to the state, he was quick to set up tours of multiple homes for me. He was friendly, super responsive to messages, amazingly informative, and made the stressful process of buying a home easy and smooth. I would highly recommend Charles to anyone looking to buy or sell a home!
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- Devin Orvis
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So glad to have my own home we appreciate you all for making that happen
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- Dana Brown
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Charles sold a house for me recently. He was polite, courteous, and always had the information I needed to jump over whatever hurdles appeared on the road to getting it done.
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- Sean
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Charles is on top of everything from the first phone call to the closing on your home, always answered all of our questions promptly, had a lot of resources and honestly made it our home buying experience a great one. Very professional
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- Kimberly Inmotto
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Charles is the best realtor agent we have worked with. We were nervous about the sale of our home, because of Covid. Charles was very knowledgeable, professional and explained everything to us every step of the way. We highly recommend him if you are a first time buyer or seller.
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- Paula Jones
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Going through the process of both selling a house & purchasing a new house was extremely stressful. I can't think of a better human being to aid us through the process than Charles. Not only was he extremely positive & courteous throughout the process, but his devotion the finding us the right house (after literally walking through 18) & immediate responsiveness is like nothing I've ever experienced. We didn't have high expectations going in, regarding an agent. I can't imagine ever going a different route in the future. Even weeks after the deals are done, he continues to stay in touch and help us with advice on repairs & renovations; his extensive knowledge in remodeling & industry contacts were just icing on the cake.
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- Dan Jones
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Charles gilbert was great. It was my first time buying a house, so I didn’t know what to expect. He took his time to explain well how the whole process works and what to expect. He was very patient with me and gave me an idea how to start. Even without knowing what I would get approved for we took a lucky guess and started looking at houses in a certain price range which workout good because it was right in my price range. Almost everyday he sent me houses available and took his time to show me every house I was interested inand he explained the good and bads of the houses we looked at which was very helpful. He worked around my schedule . He also recommended me to a better bank after seeing the rates I was getting with the bank I went with originally. He made sure the sellers fixed what needed to be done before officially closing. He also already had great inspectors I could use.
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- Alex lerma
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Charles worked with us to sell our previous home. He was very actively connected to us every step of the way. He marketed our home via radio and several other avenues. Our home did not stay in the market for long due to his proactive marketing skills. We are very grateful for his expertise, advice, and many skills.
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- Marjorie Crowe
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Charles was a fantastic realtor for my husband and I! As nervous first time homebuyers, he was knowledgeable, kind, and approachable every step of the way. With his help we found a perfect first home. I couldn’t recommend him more!!
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- Nicole Heims
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Sir Charles is awesome! He was very patient, consistent and had enough compassion to make me feel he was sincere about finding me the right home for my unique need. Charles and I both gave each other a gift at closing which showed true appreciation. Great person,, great customer care!!!!!!!!! Thank you Charles
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- Karen Davis
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Charles was the best to work with! He went above and beyond to help us find the perfect home at the right price. He answered all of our questions and even went out of his way to help us with things that didn’t fall under the umbrella of “realtor.” His extensive knowledge of the industry really helped us understand the buying/selling process and even helped us find contractors to do work on our old and new homes. 10/10 would recommend!
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- Lexi Meinke
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Charles responded to our needs promptly and always helped advise us as needed. As first time home buyers it was important to find someone who was knowledgeable and patient— Charles filled all the boxes for us! Highly recommend him and his team!
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- Nicole Heims
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Charles was great to work with. Fantastic service.
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- William
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