Frequently Asked Questions — Mortgage Loans in Florida & Pennsylvania
Answers to common questions about mortgage programs, qualifying, and the loan process from Josh Bartlett (NMLS #1425493), Branch Manager/Mortgage Advisor with NEXA Lending, licensed in Florida and Pennsylvania. Don't see your question answered below? Reach out directly — Josh responds personally.
General Questions & the Loan Process
Common questions about loan programs, qualifying, and what to expect when working with Josh Bartlett.
What loan programs does Josh Bartlett offer?
Josh Bartlett, a Branch Manager/Mortgage Advisor with NEXA Lending (NMLS #1425493), offers conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, DSCR investor, and reverse mortgage loans, along with home purchase and refinance options for buyers, homeowners, and investors in Florida and Pennsylvania.
What states is Josh Bartlett licensed in?
Josh is licensed to originate mortgages in Florida and Pennsylvania, and works with clients in cities including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Naples in Florida, and Pittsburgh, Erie, and State College in Pennsylvania. See the full directory on the Service Areas page.
What credit score do I need to qualify for a mortgage?
Minimum credit score requirements vary by loan program. FHA loans can accept scores as low as 500 with a larger down payment, conventional loans typically require 620 or higher, and jumbo loans often require 700 or higher. Josh can review your specific credit profile and match you to a loan program you qualify for.
What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is an informal estimate of what you might be able to borrow based on self-reported information. Pre-approval involves Josh verifying your income, assets, and credit, and results in a conditional commitment letter you can use to make competitive offers on a home.
How much down payment do I need to buy a home?
Down payment requirements depend on the loan program: VA and USDA loans can require 0% down for eligible borrowers, FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down, and conventional loans can start at 3-5% down for qualified first-time buyers.
What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?
Typical documents include recent pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements, a photo ID, and information about any other real estate you own. Self-employed borrowers may use bank-statement programs instead of tax returns. See the Document Checklist page for a full list.
How long does the mortgage process take?
Most purchase loans close in 30 to 45 days from application, and refinances typically follow a similar timeline. Josh works directly with clients throughout the process rather than through a call center.
Loan Programs & Specific Situations
Questions about first-time buyers, investor loans, reverse mortgages, credit challenges, and how to get started.
Does Josh Bartlett work with first-time home buyers?
Yes. Josh regularly helps first-time buyers understand down payment options, loan programs, and the steps from pre-approval through closing, in plain language rather than lender jargon.
What is a DSCR loan and who is it for?
A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan is designed for real estate investors and qualifies the loan based on a rental property's cash flow rather than the borrower's personal income, making it useful for investors who own multiple properties or are self-employed.
What is a reverse mortgage and who qualifies?
A reverse mortgage allows homeowners, typically age 62 or older, to convert home equity into cash without monthly mortgage payments, with the loan repaid when the home is sold or the borrower no longer lives there. Josh can help determine whether a reverse mortgage fits your retirement and housing goals.
Can I get a mortgage after a bankruptcy or foreclosure?
Often yes, depending on the loan program and how much time has passed. Waiting periods vary, and FHA loans generally allow reapplication sooner than conventional loans after a bankruptcy or foreclosure. Josh can review your specific situation and timeline.
What areas does Josh Bartlett serve?
Josh serves buyers, homeowners, and investors throughout Florida and Pennsylvania, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Osprey, Venice, North Port, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, and Naples in Florida, and Pittsburgh, Erie, and State College in Pennsylvania.
How do I get started or contact Josh Bartlett?
You can request a free rate quote in about 30 seconds through the site, or reach out directly via the Contact page. Josh, NMLS #1425493, responds personally rather than routing you through a call center.
Josh Bartlett is a licensed mortgage loan officer, NMLS #1425493, with NEXA Lending. License information can be verified through the NMLS Consumer Access website at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
Have a question not answered here? Reach out directly — Josh responds personally.
