Frequently Asked Questions
Since 1999, we’ve been helping North Carolina families finance their homes with confidence. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for speed, transparency, and client-first service—closing most loans in 15 days or less while keeping the process simple and stress-free.
We put your credit first, streamline the process with online loan tracking and secure document uploads, and communicate every step of the way. Most of our clients receive same-day pre-approvals, and we consistently close faster than the industry average. It’s personal service powered by technology.
Big banks often mean slow timelines and multiple credit pulls. We protect your credit by comparing loan options on your behalf without unnecessary inquiries. Plus, with same-day pre-approvals and closings in as little as 15 days, we move faster so you can move into your home sooner.
North Carolina’s home prices are still more affordable than many parts of the country. That means your dollar typically stretches further here. We’ll break down your budget so you know exactly what’s possible.
Rates change daily based on the market and your financial profile. The best way to know your rate is to connect with us for a personalized quote. We’ll make sure you get the most competitive rate available.
Calling a lender first can make all the difference when it comes to home shopping. By spending a little time upfront with us, you can get an idea for what price range you'll be looking in, as well as potential breakdowns of what your monthly payments could look like. It will also help you determine how much house you can really afford. Because once you start looking, it's easy to get swept away by the style of the moment -- and what seems doable at first glance can turn out to be much more than you can afford!
Have you recently began the process of looking for a new home? Did you know getting pre-approved for a home loan is easy with The Sherry Riano Team? We can do pre-approvals in as little as 15 minutes! We listen to our clients and discover what's unique about them. Because we believe that each client is different and each situation is unique. Our goal is to educate you on all aspects of financing, so you feel comfortable and secure throughout the entire process. All you have to do is click the Apply Now button on our website to start the process!
Timing is everything when buying a home and ensuring your financing is in order is critical to ensuring a smooth experience. How long does it take to get pre-approved with our team? The answer is simple. Lightning fast! Sometimes, it can even be in as little as 15 minutes in some cases!
The key ingredient to an expedited home loan is all in the details. Make sure you get back requested paperwork and files to us as quickly as possible and have everything stored in one place that is easily accessible. The second most important ingredient is to ensure all the information on your application is accurate!
Private Mortgage Insurance, also known as PMI, is a supplemental insurance policy you may be required to obtain in order to get a mortgage loan. PMI is provided by private (non-government) companies and is usually required when your loan-to-value ratio – the amount of your mortgage loan divided by the value of your home – is greater than 80 percent.
PMI isn’t a bad thing – it allows you to make a lower down payment and still qualify for a mortgage loan. In fact without PMI, many of us would not be able to purchase our first home.
When determining what size monthly payment you can afford, you’ll want to consider what other monthly expenses you have. Tangible expenses such as car payments, day care and utility bills, all play a role in how large a monthly payment you can afford.
There are also the intangible expenses or lifestyle expenses that you’ll want to consider. Things such as dining out, travel and when you buy your next car can affect how much you can afford. Are you willing to curtail or delay some of these expenses in order to afford a larger monthly payment? Start the pre-approval process today so we can find the right financing options for you and your needs.
This is a question you’ll want to get answered before you begin your home search. This is something that we’re here to help you with! Our helpful resource section is packed full of articles and mortgage calculators to give you a better idea of what to expect. Have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out!


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