Your Reno & Tahoe
Home Starts Here
Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading, investing, or relocating to Reno or Lake Tahoe, Art Loera has the programs, the experience, and the commitment to get you there. FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, Jumbo and 30+ more. When other lenders say no, Art finds a way.
“I believe a mortgage loan must be a clear and educated decision. Everything on this site is free, in English and Spanish: guides, calculators, programs, and Important Numbers. No closed doors, no signup, no catch.”
Your Reno & Tahoe
Buyer Toolkit
Seven essential tools for every Reno and Tahoe buyer. Search listings, run your numbers, learn from real scenarios, ask SAM anything.
Search Reno & Tahoe Homes
Browse every active listing in our market on Zillow. Filter by price, beds, neighborhood. Send Art the address and get a same-day pre-approval letter.
Pre-Qual Estimator
Get a quick read on your buying power. Estimate the loan amount you may qualify for based on your income, debts, and down payment. Honest numbers, no surprises.
Payment Calculator
Run real monthly payments with principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and HOA. See exactly what owning a Reno or Tahoe home will cost you each month.
Buyer Scenarios
Real situations Art has closed. First-time buyer with student loans, self-employed with write-offs, recent credit event, Tahoe second home. See how Art found the path.
Loan Dos & Don'ts
From offer to closing, certain moves can sink your loan. Do not open new credit, do not change jobs, do not move money around. Art's printable guide keeps you on track.
Buyer Forms & Checklist
Pre-approval checklist, document request list, mortgage process map, budget worksheet. Every form Art uses, free to download. Print and prepare before your first call.
Ask SAM About Mortgages
Got a mortgage question? Any program, any loan, any scenario, any rate. SAM is Art's AI assistant. Ask anything, in English or Spanish, 24/7. No login, no calls. Just ask.
Available 24/7 in English and Spanish
Don't Let These Mistakes Kill Your Loan
From the day Art issues your pre-approval to the day you sign closing docs, follow these rules. They are the difference between getting your keys and losing the deal at the last minute.
DO These Things
- Keep paying every bill on time. Even one 30-day late drops a credit score 60-100 points and can disqualify your loan.
- Stay at the same job. If a job change is unavoidable, call Art FIRST. Same industry or higher pay may be fine, gaps are not.
- Save every paystub, bank statement, and tax document. Underwriting will ask for them again right before closing.
- Document every deposit over $500. Source of funds matters. Cash gifts need a gift letter signed by the giver.
- Respond to the lender within 24 hours. A 48-hour delay can push closing back by days.
- Keep credit card balances stable. Don't max out, don't pay off everything. Stable utilization is best.
- Call Art with any change. Income, job, deposits, debts, gifts, anything that changes. Surprises kill deals. Transparency saves them.
DON'T Do These Things
- Don't open new credit cards or loans. Each new account drops your credit score and adds debt to DTI. Both can disqualify the loan.
- Don't finance furniture, appliances, or a car. Wait until AFTER closing. Even pre-approved promo financing counts as new debt.
- Don't change jobs or quit. Lenders verify employment days before close. A new role can re-trigger income verification.
- Don't move large sums between accounts. Every transfer needs a paper trail. Underwriting wants to see funds “seasoned” for 60 days.
- Don't co-sign for anyone. Co-signed debt counts against your DTI even if you don't pay it.
- Don't dispute credit items mid-loan. Disputes freeze accounts and re-trigger underwriting. Resolve them BEFORE applying.
- Don't pay off old collections without asking. Sometimes paying re-ages an item and HURTS the score. Ask Art first.
5 Steps to Your New Home
Art walks you through every step. No surprises, no confusion, no being left in the dark. Just a clear path from start to keys in hand.
Free Consultation
Call or text Art at 775-404-0006. Tell him your situation, your goals, your timeline. He listens first and recommends second. No pressure, ever.
DetailsBefore You Call
- Have a rough idea of your goal and timeline
- No documents needed for the first call
- Fifteen minutes is usually enough to map a plan
Get Pre-Approved
Art reviews your credit, income, and assets to issue a solid pre-approval letter. Sellers take pre-approved buyers seriously. This is your competitive edge.
DetailsWhat Art Reviews
- Recent pay stubs, W-2s and bank statements
- Credit pulled once, explained in plain language
- A letter sellers actually trust
Find Your Home
Shop with confidence knowing your budget and buying power. Art partners with top Reno and Tahoe realtors, or works directly with yours.
DetailsWhile You Shop
- Updated letters for every offer, same day
- Art coordinates with your agent directly
- Questions answered nights and weekends
Lock Your Rate
Once you have an accepted offer, Art locks your rate and manages the entire loan process. You will always know exactly where your loan stands.
DetailsHow Locking Works
- Art watches the market so you do not have to
- Lock windows explained before you commit
- No pressure; the timing decision is always yours
Close and Celebrate
Sign, fund, get your keys. Art does not disappear at closing. He is your mortgage guy for life, ready when you are ready to move again.
DetailsClosing Day
- Final numbers reviewed with you line by line
- Sign with the title company; Art stays reachable
- Keys in hand, and Art stays your mortgage guy for life
“I am not here just to close your loan. I am here to be your mortgage guy for life. From Reno and Tahoe to anywhere in the country, honestly, transparently, and without giving up.”
30+ Programs.
One Right for You.
Most Reno lenders offer 4 to 6 programs. Art offers 30+ including programs exclusive to his clients. If there is a path to homeownership, Art will find it.
FHA Home Loan
The most accessible path to homeownership for most buyers. Low down payment, flexible credit requirements, and government backing. Art has closed hundreds of FHA loans in Reno and Tahoe.
FHA at a Glance
- 3.5% minimum down payment
- Credit scores from 580+ accepted
- Gift funds allowed for down payment
VA Home Loan
Zero down payment, no PMI ever, competitive rates, and the best benefit earned by those who served. Art knows the VA guidelines inside and out and maximizes every benefit for veterans.
VA at a Glance
- Zero down payment required
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- Veterans, active duty & eligible spouses
USDA Rural Loan
Zero down payment for eligible rural and suburban properties. Many Reno, Sparks, and Northern Nevada areas qualify. Art will check your address for eligibility instantly.
USDA at a Glance
- Zero down in eligible areas
- Household income limits apply
- Ask Art to check any specific address
Conventional Loan
Ideal for buyers with solid credit and income. Lower long-term cost, no upfront MIP, and PMI drops off once you reach 20% equity. The most flexible program for well-qualified buyers.
Conventional at a Glance
- As little as 3% down
- PMI can drop at 20% equity
- Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac backed
Jumbo Loan
For high-value homes in Incline Village, South Lake Tahoe, and luxury Reno markets. Art specializes in jumbo financing above conforming loan limits with competitive rates and flexible terms.
Jumbo at a Glance
- For amounts above conforming limits
- Ideal for Lake Tahoe & Nevada luxury properties
- Multiple term options available
Down Payment Assistance
Nevada and federal DPA programs can provide grants and forgivable loans toward your down payment and closing costs. Art knows every program available in Northern Nevada and how to stack them.
Down Payment Help at a Glance
- Up to 5% purchase assistance
- Grants & forgivable options
- Great for first-time buyers
Bank Statement Loan
If you are self-employed or a business owner, your tax returns may not reflect your real income. Art qualifies you using 12 to 24 months of bank statements instead. No W-2s required.
Bank Statement at a Glance
- Your deposits tell your income story
- Built for business owners & the self-employed
- No tax returns or W-2s needed
DSCR Investor Loan
Qualify based on the property's rental income, not your personal income. Perfect for real estate investors with complex tax returns who want to build their Reno or Tahoe portfolio.
DSCR at a Glance
- Rental income qualifies you
- No tax returns or W-2s needed
- Investors & LLCs welcome
Heroes Program
Educators, healthcare workers, and first responders may qualify for special pricing and closing cost credits. Reno's heroes deserve more. Ask Art how this exclusive program works for you.
Heroes Program at a Glance
- For teachers, nurses, firefighters, police & military
- Exclusive program benefits for community heroes
- Available on FHA, VA, USDA & conventional paths
How Much Home
Can You Afford?
Estimate your monthly payment. Every situation is different, so use this as a starting point then call Art for your exact numbers.
What Reno & Tahoe
Buyers Are Saying
“Art made buying our first home so much less stressful. He explained everything step by step, was always available, and closed us on time. We cannot recommend him enough.”
“As a veteran I wanted every benefit I earned. Art knew the VA inside and out. Zero down, no PMI.”
“Every other lender told us we did not qualify because I had just started a new job. Art closed our loan in 28 days. He found a way when nobody else would even try.”
Save Art's Contact. Call When Ready.
Not ready to apply today? No problem. Scan the QR code with your phone camera to save Art's contact directly to your phone. When you are ready to buy, in a week or a year, Art is already in your phone.
Free guides. Free calculators. Free programs. Free Important Numbers. English and Spanish. No signup ever. Art Loera. NMLS #367308.