Mortgage Lender in Columbus, Ohio

Yes. A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan, a government-backed mortgage that allows lower down payments and more flexible credit requirements, is available throughout Columbus and the surrounding Franklin County area. Keep in mind that FHA loans require a mortgage insurance premium (MIP), a fee that protects the lender, which affects your total monthly payment. A loan officer can show you how FHA compares to other options for your situation.

It depends on the loan type. FHA loans can work with credit scores as low as 580 in many cases, while conventional loans typically prefer scores of 620 or higher. A lower score does not automatically disqualify you, but it can affect which programs are available. The best first step is a conversation with a loan officer who can review your full picture, not just one number.

Yes. Ohio has several down payment assistance (DPA) programs, meaning help covering the upfront cash needed to close, and some are specifically available to buyers in Franklin County and the Columbus metro area. Eligibility usually depends on income, purchase price, and the loan type you use. Our team can walk you through which programs you may qualify for before you start shopping.

A typical purchase loan closes in 30 to 45 days, though that window can shift based on the complexity of your file, the loan type, and how quickly third parties like appraisers and title companies can turn around their work. In a competitive Columbus market, being fully pre-approved before you make an offer helps you move quickly and gives sellers confidence in your financing.

That depends entirely on your personal finances, your timeline, and your local neighborhood goals. Columbus continues to grow in population and job base, which has historically supported housing demand across areas like Gahanna, Grove City, and Groveport. We do not predict the market, but we can help you understand what your buying power looks like today so you can make an informed decision on your own terms.

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is how much of your gross monthly income goes toward debt payments each month. Lenders use it to gauge whether you can comfortably carry a mortgage alongside your existing obligations. Most loan programs set a maximum DTI, and Columbus buyers carrying student loans or car payments often find this is the number that needs the most attention before applying.

Both. Intra-Mortgage is a licensed mortgage lender and broker, so we can match your loan to the program that fits instead of pushing a single in-house product. For Columbus buyers that flexibility helps across FHA, conventional, and government loan options. Either way, you work with a loan officer you can actually reach.