Blog Articles and Company News

Unlock Your Dream By Finding the Key to What Lenders Are Looking For

The Oklahoma sun is shining, the spring breeze is in the air, and at Justice Homes, we can feel the excitement! There is nothing we love more than seeing a family walk through the front door of their handcrafted, custom Justice Home for the first time.

But we know that before the "Welcome Home" mat goes down, there’s a big milestone to cross: The Mortgage. If you’re feeling a little nervous about meeting with a lender, don’t be! Think of them as the navigators on your journey to homeownership. And to help you feel confident and prepared, we’ve gathered the "Top 4" things lenders are looking for right now to help you secure that pre-approval!

The "Golden" Credit Score

In 2026, credit is still the "GPA" of the financial world. Lenders look at your score to see how reliably you’ve handled your bills in the past.

• The Magic Number: While you can often qualify for a conventional loan with a 620, aiming for 780+ is how you’ll snag those extra-low 2026 interest rates!
• Pro-Tip: Before you apply, avoid any large purchases (like a new truck for the farm!) or opening new credit cards. Keep your credit "steady and ready."

Reliable Income & Work History

Lenders love a good "work-life balance"—meaning they want to see that you’ve had a steady income for at least the last two years.

• The Detail: They’ll look at your W2s or tax returns to ensure you have the "staying power" to handle your monthly investment.
• The Justice Connection: Since we specialize in custom and semi-custom builds, lenders will also want to see that your budget accounts for the high-quality finishes and upgrades that make a Justice Home truly unique!

The Debt-to-Income (DTI) Balance

Lenders do a little bit of math to see how much you owe (car payments, student loans, credit cards) versus how much you earn.

• The Goal: They want to make sure your total monthly debt (including your new mortgage) isn't more than about 45% of your gross monthly income.
• The Strategy: Paying down a small credit card balance or a personal loan before applying can give you a huge boost in "buying power"!

Your "Safety Net" (Assets & Reserves)

Finally, lenders look at your savings. They want to know you’re prepared for the big day and the days that follow.

• The Down Payment: Whether you’re using land equity or cash, they’ll want to see where the funds are coming from.
• The Buffer: In 2026, many lenders like to see a few months of "reserves" in your account. It shows them—and you!—that you’re ready for the responsibilities of homeownership.

________________________________________

Ready to Start Your Handcrafted Journey?

At Justice Homes, we believe in Integrity, Workmanship, and Character. Jeff Justice has spent over 35 years building homes that stand the test of time, and we want your financing to be just as solid as our foundations. When you have a handcrafted home and a rock-solid loan, you’re set up for a lifetime of happy memories!

```

By Justice Homes Staff 3-1-2026