Mortgage questions, answered plainly.

Diane Pepe is a mortgage loan officer with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. She serves home buyers and homeowners in the Denver Metro area of Colorado and in Lexington, Nebraska. Before becoming a loan officer she was a pharmacist for 25 years, and she is known as The Mortgage Pharmacist.

Diane practiced pharmacy for 25 years before moving into mortgage lending. She brings the same habits to home loans: listening carefully, reviewing every detail, explaining things in plain language, and matching each client to the loan program that fits their situation.

Diane focuses on the Denver Metro area, including Douglas County communities such as Franktown, Parker and Castle Rock, and on Lexington, Nebraska and the surrounding Dawson County area.

No. The first consultation is free and there is no obligation. If you move forward with a loan, Diane will give you an official Loan Estimate that lists every expected cost before you commit.

Call or text Diane at (303) 249-0023, email diane.pepe@home.com, or send a message through the consultation form on this website. You can also find her on Instagram at @diane_pepe.

Many buyers need far less than 20%. Some conventional loans allow 3% down for qualifying first-time buyers, FHA loans allow 3.5% with a credit score of 580 or higher, and VA loans often require no down payment for eligible veterans. Down payment assistance may also be available in Colorado and Nebraska depending on your income and location.

A pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on information you provide, while a pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your credit, income and assets. Sellers and agents take pre-approvals more seriously, so Diane recommends getting pre-approved before you start touring homes.

Most buyers need a photo ID, about 30 days of recent pay stubs, two years of W-2s, and two months of bank statements. Self-employed buyers usually also need two years of personal and business tax returns. Diane will send a simple checklist tailored to your situation.

Many purchase loans close in roughly 30 to 45 days after an accepted offer. The timeline depends on the loan program, the appraisal, the property, and how quickly documents come in, which is why Diane gives every client a clear checklist up front.

Closing costs commonly include lender fees, appraisal, title insurance, recording fees, and prepaid items such as property taxes and homeowners insurance. Your Loan Estimate shows the exact figures, and in some cases seller credits or assistance programs can help cover them.

It depends on the program. FHA loans allow a 3.5% down payment with a score of 580 or higher, and conventional loans generally require at least 620. VA loans have no single official minimum, though lenders set their own guidelines. A higher score usually means a better rate.

Often, yes. Programs like FHA are designed for borrowers who are still rebuilding credit. If you aren't ready yet, Diane will give you a specific plan, such as which balances to pay down, to help you qualify.

Only slightly. Credit scoring models treat multiple mortgage inquiries within a short shopping window as a single inquiry, so you can compare lenders without a large impact on your score.

Yes. Self-employed borrowers typically qualify using two years of tax returns, and Diane will review how your business income is calculated so there are no surprises in underwriting.

Not necessarily. Waiting can mean paying a higher price or competing with more buyers when rates fall. Many buyers purchase when the payment fits their budget and refinance later if rates drop enough to make it worthwhile. Diane can show you both scenarios with real numbers.

Refinancing usually makes sense when the savings from a lower rate or the benefit of removing mortgage insurance outweigh the closing costs within a reasonable time. Diane calculates your break-even point so you can decide with clear numbers.

A rate buy-down is an upfront payment, sometimes covered by the seller or builder, that lowers your interest rate either temporarily or for the life of the loan. It can make the first years of homeownership more affordable.

Yes. Colorado has state and local down payment assistance programs, including options through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA). Eligibility depends on income, purchase price, and location, so Diane will check which programs you may qualify for.

Yes. The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) and some local organizations offer programs for qualifying buyers. Diane can help buyers in Lexington and Dawson County understand which options may apply.

Yes. Diane helps buyers relocating for work or family coordinate their loan timeline with a move date, a home sale in another state, and a new job, and she can connect you with trusted local real estate agents.

Agents work with Diane for fast, accurate pre-approvals, proactive communication with every party, and careful file review that prevents last-minute surprises. Her goal is calm, on-time closings for your buyers.