What credit score do I need for a home loan in Tempe?

620 is the standard floor for most conventional programs, but FHA allows 580 with 3.5% down and as low as 500 with 10% down. For the most competitive Tempe rates, 740+ is the target.

Can I buy a house or condo for my child attending ASU?

Yes. With an FHA non-occupant co-borrower loan, your student occupies the home as their primary residence and you co-sign. Because the co-borrower is family, the 3.5% down payment structure stays intact. Conventional investment financing is the alternative if you want the property solely in your name.

What are the 2026 FHA loan limits for Tempe?

Tempe follows Maricopa County limits: $557,750 for a single family home and $714,000 for a duplex in 2026. Most Tempe inventory fits comfortably under these caps.

Do DSCR loans work for rentals near ASU?

Yes. Qualification is based on the property's rental income rather than personal tax returns. Near ASU, per-bedroom leasing often produces a qualifying DSCR where a single family lease falls short. Bonelli Financial Group models both before you make an offer.

Can I do a short-term rental in Tempe?

Tempe requires a city short-term rental license. Bonelli Financial Group structures DSCR loans for compliant Tempe short-term rentals and advises up front if a property's numbers do not support the strategy.

Should I do a cash-out refinance or a HELOC on my Tempe home?

If your existing rate is below 5%, a HELOC or HELOAN usually wins because it taps equity without disturbing the first mortgage. A cash-out refinance can make sense if your current rate is already high. Bonelli Financial Group runs both options side by side.

Is it better to buy a condo or a house near ASU?

It depends on the complex. Condos cost less to enter but not all projects are warrantable or FHA-approved, and HOA dues affect DSCR math. Houses cost more but can rent by the bedroom and carry no HOA risk.

How fast can Bonelli Financial Group close a Tempe home loan?

Pre-approvals are typically issued within 24 hours, and most Tempe purchases close in 18 to 21 days. The office is in downtown Mesa, about ten minutes from the ASU Tempe campus.

Press & Media Coverage | Bonelli Financial Group

Before Bonelli, Travis spent over a decade in the mortgage industry — including years in management at a national retail lender — before going independent. That depth of experience is exactly why journalists keep coming back to our team for guidance on everything from broker compensation to underwriting to the qualifying details most lenders would rather borrowers not think too hard about.

Mortgage Basics & Broker Insight

Clever Real Estate

Is a Mortgage Broker Right for You (And Worth the Cost)?

Quoted three times in this in-depth guide, Travis breaks down how Bonelli Financial Group's wholesale pricing actually works, why broker compensation is negotiable, and the specific situations where he tells clients to skip a broker entirely and go straight to a bank.

"I have dozens of different boxes. If one lender has a problem with your specific income structure, I just move the file to a different wholesale partner that likes your scenario."

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Bankrate

What Is a Non-Conforming Loan?

Travis explains why "non-conforming" doesn't mean risky — and why rates on these loans are sometimes more competitive than people expect.

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Home Equity & HELOCs

Bankrate

Using a HELOC as an Emergency Fund: Pros and Cons

Quoted four times, Travis walks through when keeping a HELOC in reserve makes sense, what happens if home values drop, and the fine print our team always tells clients to read closely before signing.

"You'll have immediate access to cash in an emergency without having to liquidate assets that may be taxable or earning a market return."

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USA TODAY

Is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage Right for Your Home?

Travis shared his take on when an ARM's lower initial rate is worth the tradeoff — and when it's really just paying for security you'll never use.

"If you know you are going to sell or refinance within the next five to seven years, with a 30-year fixed, you are paying for security you are never going to need."

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Qualifying & Underwriting

Best Interest

What Is an Asset Depletion Mortgage? A Complete Guide

Travis broke down how Bonelli Financial Group's non-QM lenders actually calculate qualifying income from a borrower's assets instead of a paycheck — clearing up a misconception that trips up a lot of high-net-worth buyers.

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Realtor.com

The Venmo Problem: Why Informal Payments May Be Hurting Your Mortgage Application

Travis unpacked how underwriters actually treat Venmo and Zelle transfers, and the difference between voluntarily helping a family member and being legally on the hook for their debt.

"Lenders do not log in to your Venmo or Zelle apps, but they will see transfers in the two months of bank statements you have to send in."

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Buying a Home Today

The Mortgage Reports

Home Loans With Small Down Payment: FHA, VA, and USDA Explained

Quoted four times, Travis explains the real tradeoffs of putting down less — and how our team helps clients negotiate seller concessions to help close the gap.

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U.S. News & World Report

Here's How to Finance These Top Home Remodel Projects

Travis shared how to compare financing options honestly, and the fine print worth watching before committing to a loan for a major renovation.

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