Your Local Mortgage Lender

Located in Clearwater, Florida

Personalized Mortgage Experience

Will Merritt offers personalized service and loan options you'll love. We shop multiple lenders to find the best rate and product for you, getting you into your dream home faster.

With wholesale interest rates and cutting-edge technology, we make the mortgage process seamless. Trust the experts who focus solely on mortgages. Support your local community and experience elite client service.

Let us help you achieve your homeownership dreams!

The Home Loan Process

Mortgage Pre-Approval

Get pre-approved from one of our Loan Officers to see how much you can afford.

House Shopping

Work with a trusted Real Estate Agent to find a home you would like to move into.

Loan Application

Complete your home loan application to get the lending process started.

Don't take my word for it

Mortgage Programs

Experience the best mortgage experience located in Clearwater, Florida.

Home Loan Options

Our experienced mortgage advisors will walk you through the best mortgage loan program that will fit your specific scenario.

Conventional Home Loans.

FHA Home Loans.

USDA Home Loans.

VA Home Loans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I refinance my mortgage?

There is no limit to the number of times you can refinance. However, you must qualify every time you apply and there will be costs associated with closing the loan each time.

Can I buy a home if I do not have money for a down payment?

Yes! There are a number of bond programs that offer low or no down payment financing options.

How do I know which mortgage is right for me?

The key to choosing the right mortgage is to understand the range of options and features available to you, as well as your budget, circumstances, and goals. Our licensed mortgage professionals are here to help you navigate that process. The more you know, the more comfortable and confident you will be choosing the best option for you and your family.

How long will the loan process take?

The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) does not permit a lender to close a loan until at least seven (7) business days have passed from the date your application was received. A typical home loan takes 30 days, as a number of third-party services such as appraisals, title work, and credit are required in conjunction with the mortgage process. Once you familiarize your Loan Officer with the details of your specific loan scenario, they will be able to provide you with a more specific timeline.

Will I qualify for a home loan?

The only way to find out is to speak with a qualified mortgage professional. Our Loan Officers have helped numerous clients who didn’t know if they could qualify to become home owners. We take the time to understand your financial situation and long-term financial goals, and then match you with the loan program that best fits your needs. Your approval for a loan may also largely depend on the price of the home you are financing. Getting pre-qualified prior to beginning your home search can give you an idea of what you may be able to afford.

Why do people refinance their mortgages?

Homeowners typically refinance to save money, either by obtaining a lower interest rate or by reducing the term of their loan. Refinancing is also a way to convert an adjustable loan to a fixed loan or to consolidate debts.

How much money will I have to pay upfront to buy a home?

This question does not have a simple, one-size-fits-all answer. The exact amount will depend on the price of the home you buy as well the type of mortgage financing you choose. Depending on your loan program, your down payment could be as much as 20% of the home’s price or as little as 3%, while some loans require no down payment at all.

Can I get a mortgage after bankruptcy?

You may still qualify for a home loan even if you have experienced a bankruptcy. The best way to find out if you qualify is to talk with a Loan Officer to discuss your options. Be sure to bring all paperwork regarding your bankruptcy so your Loan Officer can find the program that best fits your situation.

Should I lock my interest rate now, or wait until we are closer to our closing?

Interest rates fluctuate all day, every day. If an interest rate is good, it may be in your best interest to lock now. If you wait, you run the risk of an increase in rates later. If you are concerned that rates may go down after you lock, contact your Loan Officer to discuss your options. Some programs allow you to lock for an extended period and choose to lower your rate should a better one become available.

Most Recent Blog Updates

VA Loan Collection Rules Changed in Veterans Favor and Here Is What Every Vet Needs to Know Now

VA Loan Collection Rules Changed in Veterans Favor and Here Is What Every Vet Needs to Know Now

September 03, 20262 min read


The Rule Change That Could Reopen the Door for Veterans Who Were Told No

If collections on your credit report have been keeping you from pursuing a VA loan this is the update worth reading carefully. The VA updated how collections are handled in the qualification process and the changes favor veterans in meaningful and immediate ways.

A no you received from a lender based on collection accounts may no longer be accurate today.

What Changed on Medical Collections

Medical collections and charged-off medical accounts are no longer counted against VA loan applicants. Not in qualifying ratios. Not in residual income calculations. They are simply removed from the equation entirely.

This is significant because medical collections are among the most common derogatory items on credit reports and they frequently appear on files belonging to veterans who have otherwise responsible financial histories. The presence of a medical collection was previously a factor that could complicate or derail a VA loan application. Under the updated guidelines it is no longer a factor at all.

How Non-Medical Collections Are Handled

For non-medical collections without an established monthly payment lenders can use five percent of the outstanding balance in the qualifying ratio calculation rather than a higher assumed payment. As Will Merritt highlighted this is where many veterans do not realize the full picture of what is available to them.

The VA does not require veterans to pay off collections as a condition of qualifying for a VA loan. The total credit picture is what matters to the evaluation rather than a single derogatory item being treated as a disqualifying event.

What This Means for Veterans Who Were Previously Declined

A denial from a lender in a prior year was based on the guidelines that existed at that time. Guidelines change. A veteran who was told no based on collection accounts under the old framework may qualify today under the updated rules.

That previous no is not a permanent verdict. It is a data point from a moment in time that may no longer reflect the current state of the guidelines or the current state of the veteran's overall credit picture.

A Note for Realtors

Will Merritt flags this specifically for real estate agents working with veteran buyers. If a client came to you previously and was told their VA loan was not going to work because of collections it is worth reconnecting and having that conversation again. The rules that produced that outcome may have changed in their favor.

Reach out to Will Merritt to find out what a veteran buyer actually qualifies for under today's updated VA guidelines. Do not let an old no stand in the way of a benefit that was earned through service.


Sources

VA.gov
MilitaryOneSource.mil
MortgageNewsDaily.com
ConsumerFinancialProtectionBureau.gov
Investopedia.com

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See your total mortgage payments using the tool below.

16.67
%
%
years
$/year
%
$/year
$1,685.20
Your estimated monthly payment with PMI.
PMI:
$208.33
Monthly Tax Paid:
$200.00
Monthly Home Insurance:
$83.33
PMI End Date:
Dec 2027
Total PMI Payments:
27
Monthly Payment after PMI:
$1,476.87
🏠Mortgage Details
Loan Amount:
$250,000.00
Down Payment:
$50,000.00 (16.67%)
Total Interest Paid:
$179,673.77
Total PMI to :
$5,416.67
Total Tax Paid:
$72,000.00
Total Home Insurance:
$30,000.00
Total of 360 Payments:
$537,298.77
Loan pay-off date:
Sep 2055
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Sep 2055
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$179,673.77
Total Interest Paid
$738.44
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Aug 2051
Pay-off Date
$151,482.12
Total Interest Paid
Total Interest Savings: $28,191.64
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(727) 421-7517

4030 102nd Pl N Clearwater, Florida 33762

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