Patrick TabaMortgage Loan Advisor E Mortgage Capital E Mortgage Capital
Menu

Patrick Taba, also known as Mortgage PatrickMortgage Loan Advisor in Orange County, California

Buying your first home? Start here.

I'll show you what you can comfortably afford, which loan fits, and exactly what happens between pre-approval and getting your keys. No question is too basic.

Get my optionsApply online
4.8 out of 5 from 50+ client reviews

Patrick Taba (Mortgage Patrick), NMLS #1553052, Santa Ana, CA. E Mortgage Capital, Inc., NMLS #1416824, licensed in 47 states. In states where Patrick isn't individually licensed, you'll be connected with a licensed E Mortgage Capital loan officer.

What I'll help you with

  • Know your real budget

    A pre-approval tells you what you can comfortably afford before you start touring, and it makes your offers stronger.

  • Compare low down payment options

    Conventional and FHA loans both offer low down payment options, and VA loans are built for eligible veterans and service members. I'll lay them out side by side.

  • Understand mortgage insurance

    A smaller down payment usually means mortgage insurance. I'll show you what it costs and how it can come off later.

  • Use gift money the right way

    Many programs let family help with your down payment. I'll make sure the gift is documented the way underwriters need it.

What can I afford?

Enter your numbers for a quick estimate. Your pre-approval turns it into a real number.

Car, student loans, card minimums
An example. Try any rate.
Loan term
Varies by state and county
Varies by area and coverage

Estimated home price

Comfortable 
Stretch 

Comfortable keeps all your monthly debts, including the new house payment, at about 36% of your income before taxes. Stretch uses about 45%. Many loan programs allow more or less, depending on your full picture.

Get my optionsApply online

For illustration only. These estimates use numbers you control and aren't a pre-approval, an advertised rate or terms, or an offer to lend. Mortgage insurance is a rough estimate. Your actual budget depends on your credit, income, assets, the property and the loan program.

What you'll need for pre-approval

  • A photo ID
  • Your most recent pay stubs
  • W-2s from the last two years, or tax returns if you're self-employed
  • Your two most recent bank statements
  • Your agent's name, if you already have one

Every situation is a little different, so I'll tell you exactly what applies to you.

From first call to clear to close

Here's what buying a home with me looks like, step by step.

  1. Talk it through

    We go over your goals, budget and timeline, and I answer the questions you've been saving up. No commitment.

  2. Get pre-approved

    I review your income, assets and credit, then issue a pre-approval letter you and your agent can use to write offers.

  3. Lock and underwrite

    Once you're in contract, we pick the right time to lock your rate, order the appraisal and work through underwriting. You, your agent and escrow get updates along the way.

  4. Clear to close

    Final approval comes through, you sign your loan documents and the loan funds. Then you get your keys.

From a client

Im not an expert on mortgages, so I had a lot of questions; Patrick was patient, professional, and always quick to respond, and even provided suggestions proactively. Overall, no complaints; it was a great experience.

Jonathon G.Birdeye review

First-time buyer questions

How much do I need to have saved?

Plan for your down payment plus closing costs, and ideally some savings left over afterward. The right amount depends on the loan and your price range, so I'll give you real numbers once I know your plans.

Can family help with my down payment?

Often, yes. Many loan programs accept gift funds from family. The gift usually needs a signed gift letter and a paper trail showing where the money came from.

What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?

A pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on what you tell me. A pre-approval means I've reviewed your income, assets and credit, so sellers take it more seriously.

Do I need perfect credit?

No. Each program has its own minimums, and FHA tends to be the most flexible. If a few changes could raise your score and improve your pricing, I'll tell you.

Get your options

Share a few details and I'll follow up by phone or text. Rather reach out yourself? Use any of these.

E Mortgage Capital is licensed in 47 states. Pick your state in the form, and if I'm not licensed there, I'll connect you with a licensed loan officer on our team.

"Very knowledgeable throughout home buying process."

Peter D., Birdeye review

Patrick TabaMortgage Loan Advisor, NMLS #1553052

Step 1 of 2

Read the privacy policy to see how your information is used.