Buying a home should feel exciting, not overwhelming
Whether it's your first home or your fifth, the process comes down to the same thing: clear answers, an honest look at the numbers, and a lender who picks up the phone. As a broker, Hall of Fame Mortgage shops your loan across a wide network of lenders to find the program that actually fits your situation — not whatever a single bank happens to sell.
One advisor, start to finish
You work directly with Scott Taylor, a Certified Mortgage Advisor — not a call center and not a rotating cast of names you never meet.
More loan options
Brokers compare programs and pricing across many lenders. That means more paths to "yes" and a better shot at the right fit for your credit and budget.
Straight answers
No jargon, no pressure. You'll always know what's happening with your file and what the next step is.
The path to pre-approval
A pre-approval is a lender's written confirmation of how much you can borrow, based on a real review of your income, credit, and assets. It's the first thing most Indianapolis sellers and agents look for — and it's stronger than the quick "pre-qualification" estimate a calculator gives you. Here's how it works:
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1
Apply online
Start the secure application — it takes about 10-15 minutes. You can save and come back to it if you need to gather documents.
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2
Share your documents
Recent pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements, and ID. Scott will send a clear checklist so nothing gets missed.
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3
Review your numbers together
Scott walks through your budget, estimated monthly payment, down payment, and the loan programs you qualify for — so there are no surprises later.
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4
Get your pre-approval letter
You receive a letter you can hand to your real estate agent and attach to offers, so you can shop with confidence and move quickly when you find the one.
Loan options at a glance
There is no single "best" mortgage — only the one that fits your goals, your credit, and your down payment. Scott will help you compare these side by side and explain the trade-offs in plain language.
FHA Loans
As little as 3.5% down with credit scores starting at 580. A common choice for first-time buyers.
Explore FHA loansVA Loans
For eligible veterans and active military: zero down payment, no monthly PMI, and competitive rates.
Explore VA loansConventional Loans
Down payments as low as 3% for qualified first-time buyers, with flexible terms.
Explore conventional loansConstruction Loans
Building rather than buying? A single-close construction-to-permanent loan.
Explore construction loansDSCR Investor Loans
Buying a rental? Qualify based on the property's cash flow instead of your income.
Explore DSCR loansFirst-time buyer? You're in good hands
Buying your first home comes with a lot of unfamiliar terms — escrow, points, PMI, debt-to-income ratio. Scott's job is to translate all of it and make sure you understand every number before you sign anything. First-time buyers often have more options than they expect, including low-down-payment programs and the ability to use gift funds from family toward a down payment on many loan types.
The best first step costs nothing: a quick conversation about where you stand today and what it would take to get you ready to buy. If now isn't the right time, Scott will tell you that too — and give you a plan to get there.
What to expect from offer to closing
Once your offer is accepted, your loan moves into processing and underwriting. Scott and his team coordinate the appraisal, gather any remaining documentation, and keep your real estate agent in the loop so the timeline stays on track. A few days before closing you'll receive a Closing Disclosure that lays out your final loan terms and the exact cash you'll need to bring. On closing day you sign, the loan funds, and the keys are yours. Throughout, you'll have one point of contact who can answer "what happens next?" at any moment.
Common first-time buyer questions
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the loan. VA loans can require zero down for eligible borrowers, FHA loans start at 3.5% down, and some conventional loans go as low as 3% down for first-time buyers. Scott will help you compare the total cost of each option, not just the down payment.
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
There's no single cutoff. FHA loans may be available with scores starting at 580, while conventional loans generally reward higher scores with better pricing. If your score needs work, Scott can outline what to improve before you apply.
What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is a rough estimate based on what you tell the lender. A pre-approval is backed by a real review of your documents and credit, so it carries far more weight with sellers and agents when you make an offer.
How long does the whole process take?
Pre-approval can often happen within a couple of business days once your documents are in. From accepted offer to closing typically runs a few weeks, depending on the property and loan type. Scott will give you a realistic timeline up front.
Ready to start house hunting with confidence?
Get a real pre-approval and a clear picture of what you can afford. No pressure, no obligation — just honest guidance from someone who picks up the phone.
Get Pre-Approved Call (317) 618-2919