Mike Baker · The Rate Shop · Kansas & Missouri
Home purchase loans in Kansas City, at your pace.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before we talk.
Whether you’re starting to think about buying or hoping to make an offer this weekend, I’ll help you understand your mortgage options, the money you’ll need, and what comes next.
Prefer a quick conversation? Call or text me at 913-213-3335.
Education comes first
Let’s start with your questions.
I’m an educator first. I grew up in a family of teachers, and that background shapes how I work with buyers.
Our first conversation starts with understanding where you are in the process. What do you already know about mortgages, and what would you like me to explain?
My goal is for you to finish that conversation feeling comfortable with your next step. That might be getting preapproved, meeting to go over more details, or giving yourself more time.
Your numbers, explained
You’ll see where the money goes.
The down payment is only part of the cost of buying a home.
After our conversation, I pull together the loan options I recommend and record a personalized video walking through the numbers, line by line.
I explain what each item means, including how the account used to pay your property taxes and homeowners insurance works. You should understand what you’re paying and why.
As a mortgage broker, I compare multiple lenders. We’ll look at the interest rate and closing costs together, along with how the loan fits your needs.
What your video covers
- Purchase price, down payment, and loan amount
- Interest rate and lender closing costs
- Title company fees and appraisal costs, if an appraisal is needed
- Prepaid expenses and funds for your tax and insurance escrow account
- Estimated monthly payment, including taxes, homeowners insurance, and mortgage insurance when applicable
- Estimated total cash needed to close
Your timing matters
I move at your speed.
If you’re walking, I’ll walk alongside you. If you’re running, I’ll run alongside you.
Stay informed.
We can arrange a time to check back in. If you’d like, I can also send homebuying emails to help you stay informed until you’re ready.
Get prepared.
I’ll help you complete the application and provide the income and asset documents needed through my secure portal.
Update the numbers.
Once you’re preapproved, we’ll usually check in weekly. When a house catches your attention, I can update the estimates using that home’s price, taxes, and other property details before you make an offer.
Explore your options
The right loan starts with your situation.
You don’t need to choose a loan program before contacting me. We’ll discuss the options that fit your finances and the home you want to buy.
Want a starting point before we talk? Compare conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and jumbo loans, including who they may fit and the trade-offs to consider.
On a small screen, swipe the table sideways to see all four columns.
| Option | Common starting point | Often a fit when… | Important trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | As little as 3% down for qualified buyers | You want flexible terms and potentially removable private mortgage insurance (PMI) | Your credit and down payment affect your rate and loan costs |
| FHA | Commonly 3.5% down for qualified buyers | You need more flexible credit or qualifying guidelines | Upfront and annual mortgage insurance applies |
| VA | Potentially 0% down for eligible borrowers | You have eligible military service and plan to live in the home | A VA funding fee may apply; your available VA benefit and the home must qualify |
| USDA | Potentially 0% down | The property and household meet geographic and income rules | Location and household-income limits apply |
| Jumbo | Varies by lender and your finances | You need to borrow more than the local limit for a standard conventional loan | Stronger credit, savings left after closing, and more financial documents may be needed |
| Refinance/equity | Options depend on your current mortgage and the share of your home you own | You want to change your mortgage or borrow against your home’s value | Check whether the benefits are worth the costs |
| Investor/specialty | Program-specific | Traditional income documentation does not tell the whole story | Rates, down payments, and required savings may be higher |
From an accepted offer to closing
This is when things get really fun.
We’ll discuss interest rates and locking your rate. I’ll prepare your initial loan disclosures for electronic signature so we can move your file into underwriting.
While the underwriter reviews your file, we’ll order title work and an appraisal if needed. You’ll also shop for homeowners insurance.
From clients’ Google reviews
Questions welcome. Explanations included.
“He was patient, covered all my questions and was very responsive.”Ginger Barnett ElliottGoogle review excerpt
“We are so grateful for his wealth of knowledge…”Kailene CaseGoogle review excerpt
Your next step
Let’s make time for your questions.
Scheduling a call gives us time to understand your situation, answer your questions, and prepare for the next step. I help homebuyers across Kansas and Missouri, with availability on nights and weekends.
Call or text 913-213-3335 · Email Mike
Mike Baker · Individual NMLS #259076
The Rate Shop · Company NMLS #2554765 · Meet Mike