NMLS #2516231 · Equal Housing Lender
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Education that replaces anxiety with confidence.

The mortgage industry loves jargon. We don't. Here's what you need to know, written the way we'd explain it across the table—clearly, patiently, and without hype.

May 28, 2025

Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification: What's the Difference?

While they sound similar, pre-qualification and pre-approval mean very different things. Pre-approval is the more serious process—and it gives you the edge in a competitive market.

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May 7, 2025

Creative Ways to Cover Your Down Payment

You don't need to save for years. Six fully-legal, lender-approved ways to fund your down payment—from gift funds to retirement loans to selling assets you don't use.

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Apr 30, 2025

The Cohen Advantage

What sets us apart is simple: execution, communication, and expert guidance. A boutique brokerage with the freedom to craft custom solutions for each client's unique goals.

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Apr 23, 2025

5 Signs It Might Be Time to Move

Sometimes the signs are clear. Other times, they're subtle. Five honest questions to help you decide whether your current home still fits the life you want to live.

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Apr 16, 2025

When Refinancing Doesn't Make Sense

Refinancing can be a smart move—but it's not always the right one. Here's when we'd tell you to wait, even if it costs us the deal.

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Apr 9, 2025

Is Now the Right Time to Refinance?

With interest rates always in the headlines, the answer depends on your personal goals. The honest framework we use to evaluate whether a refinance fits your situation.

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Frequently Asked

The questions we hear most often.

What's the difference between a broker and a lender?+
A lender funds loans with their own capital and offers their own products. A broker—like Cohen Mortgage—shops multiple wholesale lenders on your behalf to find the best fit for your situation. Brokers typically access a wider range of programs and competitive pricing because we're not limited to a single institution's menu.
How long does the mortgage process take?+
Most purchase loans close within 25 to 35 days from the contract date. Refinances typically run 21 to 30 days. The timeline depends on how quickly documents come back, appraisal scheduling, and title work—all of which we actively manage on your behalf.
Do you charge application fees?+
No application fee. Third-party costs like appraisal and credit report are passed through at cost, and we disclose everything in writing before you pay anything. Our compensation is built into the loan pricing and fully disclosed on the Loan Estimate—no surprises.
What credit score do I need?+
It depends on the program. Conventional loans typically require 620 or above, FHA goes down to 580 (and sometimes lower with compensating factors), and VA loans are similarly flexible. More important than the score alone is the overall picture—score, income stability, debt ratio, and down payment work together. We'll walk you through where you stand.
Will checking my rate hurt my credit?+
Our initial conversation requires no credit pull. When you're ready to move forward with a full pre-approval, we pull credit once. A hard inquiry typically costs 3–5 points and recovers within a few months. Multiple mortgage inquiries within 14–45 days are treated as a single inquiry for scoring purposes.
Can I get pre-approved without a property in mind?+
Yes—and we recommend it. A firm pre-approval strengthens your position when you do find the right home, and it tells you exactly what price range works for your budget before you fall in love with a house outside of it.