Frequently Asked Questions

We offer Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA RD, Jumbo, and Construction/Renovation loans. Visit our Loan Products page for full details on each program.

Cedar Roots Mortgage is licensed in Alabama.

Contact us or fill out our quick rate check form on the homepage. We'll connect you with a loan officer to start the pre-qualification process.

VA and USDA loans require 0% down. FHA loans require 3.5%. Conventional loans require 3% or 5% depending on the property, your income, and first-time buyer status.

No. Many loan programs allow far less. A larger down payment reduces your loan size and can eliminate PMI, but it's never required.

PMI protects the lender if you default. It's required when you put down less than 20%. On conventional loans it drops off at 80% LTV. There's also a no-PMI option with a slightly higher rate — our loan officers can walk you through the tradeoffs.

One point = 1% of the loan amount. Paying points upfront lowers your rate for the life of the loan. Whether this makes sense depends on how long you'll stay in the home.

A pre-qualification informally determines the maximum you can borrow — great before house hunting. A pre-approval requires documentation and a credit check, giving sellers confidence you're a serious buyer.

Start with us. Pre-qualifying first tells you how much home you can afford and can give you the upper hand in offers. We can also refer a trusted realtor or work with yours.

A minimum FICO score of 600 is typically required, though it varies by loan type. Our loan officers can review your situation and advise the best path forward.