Chattanooga Mortgage Loan Originator
Local guidance for Chattanooga buyers, homeowners, and investors — with your loan shopped across the wholesale market.
Mortgage Loan Originator Serving Chattanooga, TN
Loan Programs
✓ FHA (3.5% down, 580 score)
✓ VA (0% down, no MI)
✓ Jumbo (above $832,750)
✓ HELOC & HELOAN
✓ DSCR Investor Loans
✓ Bank Statement (self-employed)
Why Baker Lending Powered by West Capital Lending, Inc.
✓ Wholesale pricing shopped across lenders
✓ One application, multiple offers
✓ Licensed in Tennessee and 32 other licensed states
✓ 4.96★ from 14 reviews on Experience.com
✓ Close in 21–30 days
✓ Direct access: (949) 665-9090
Andrew Baker · NMLS 2688601 · (949) 665-9090
Chattanooga Mortgage Questions
What credit score do I need to buy a home in Chattanooga?
There is no single minimum — it depends on the program. FHA loans generally start around a 580 score with 3.5% down, and conventional loans typically ask for more. VA sets no minimum score, though individual lenders apply their own overlays. Because Baker Lending works with 175+ wholesale lenders, Chattanooga borrowers have more than one guideline set to work with.
How much do I need to put down to buy a house in Chattanooga, TN?
That depends on the program. Conventional financing can go as low as 3% down, FHA requires 3.5%, and eligible veterans can use a VA loan with no down payment at all. Jumbo financing on higher-priced properties in Hamilton County generally requires more. Closing costs are separate from the down payment.
How do self-employed buyers qualify for a mortgage in Chattanooga?
Yes. Self-employed buyers in Chattanooga whose tax returns do not show enough qualifying income can often use a bank statement loan, which qualifies you on 12 to 24 months of business or personal deposits instead. Investors buying rentals can use a DSCR loan, which qualifies on the property's rental income rather than personal income.
How fast can you close a loan in Chattanooga?
Most purchase loans in Chattanooga close in about 21 to 30 days from a complete application. The timeline depends on appraisal turn times in Hamilton County, how quickly income and asset documents come back, and the dates written into your purchase contract. Refinances often run a little longer, since no contract deadline is driving the file.
Which mortgage programs do you offer in Chattanooga?
Baker Lending originates conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, HELOC and home equity, HEI/HEA, reverse, DSCR investor, and bank statement loans throughout Chattanooga and the rest of Tennessee. The 2026 conforming loan limit is $832,750 in most counties and higher in designated high-cost counties; anything above your county's limit is financed as a jumbo loan.
Ready to Get Started?
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