Asked often. Answered honestly.

No. Conversations, pre-approvals and payment estimates are free. Megan is paid through the loan itself if and when you close — talking costs you nothing.

All of Chicagoland — the city, the suburbs, and beyond. Megan is licensed in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Florida, Tennessee, Montana and Washington, so she can also help with out-of-state moves and second homes in those states.

Text her at 708-904-1414. Email and scheduled calls work too — but texting gets the fastest answers, and yes, she actually responds.

Megan is a Branch Manager with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (dba Fairway Home Mortgage), a direct lender — meaning her team processes and underwrites in-house, which is a big part of how closings stay on schedule.

Conventional starts at 3% down, FHA at 3.5%, and VA/USDA at $0 for eligible buyers. 20% down avoids PMI but is absolutely not required — and IHDA assistance can help qualified Illinois buyers with the down payment itself.

Most conventional programs start around 620; FHA can work lower. Pricing improves with score. If yours needs work, Megan can tell you exactly which moves matter most.

Honest answer: it depends — on the day, your credit, down payment, property type and program. Any site quoting you a rate without knowing those things is marketing. Megan quotes real scenarios with real assumptions.

Assessments count in your debt-to-income ratio, so a higher-fee building supports a lower purchase price at the same budget. The calculator on this site includes an HOA slider so you can see it live.

Often same-day once your documents are in — typically within 24 hours. If you spotted a place this weekend, say so; Megan moves.

Most purchase closings run 30–45 days from contract. Condos add the questionnaire step, which is why Megan orders it early.

Nobody can time rates. If they drop after you buy, refinancing exists; if they rise, you'll be glad you locked. Buy when your life and budget are ready — that's the honest answer.

Now, genuinely. An early conversation surfaces credit tweaks, savings targets and assistance programs while there is still time to act on them. Planning-stage chats are some of Megan's favorites.