Home Loans Without the BS.
Buying a home shouldn’t be complicated. With over 25 years of mortgage experience, I’m here to help Utah homebuyers and veterans explore their options, get straight answers, and move forward with confidence.
Salt Lake Valley, 2020 · Iansmh98 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized; displayed with crop and overlay.
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25+ Years of Experience
Helping Utah homebuyers navigate mortgage financing since 1998. Straight answers, personalized guidance, and experience you can count on.
Veteran Helping Veterans
As a U.S. Army veteran, I understand the importance of VA home loan benefits. I’m here to help fellow veterans and military families explore their options.
More Options. Less BS.
VA, FHA, conventional, USDA, and more. I’ll help you compare available loan programs and find financing that fits your goals.
Mortgage Solutions for Every Stage of Life
Not every borrower fits the same mold, and your mortgage shouldn’t have to either. From traditional home loans and VA financing to specialized programs for self-employed buyers, real estate investors, medical professionals, and new construction, I’ll help you explore the options available for your situation.
VA Home Loans
As a U.S. Army veteran, I’m passionate about helping fellow veterans and military families understand and maximize their VA home loan benefits.
Conventional, FHA & USDA Loans
From Conventional and FHA loans to USDA financing and down payment assistance, let’s explore the options that can help you become a homeowner.
Non-QM & Bank Statement Loans
Self-employed or have income that does not fit a traditional loan application? Let’s explore available non-QM and bank statement loan options for your situation.
DSCR & Investment Property Loans
Financing for rental property investors, including DSCR loan programs that may qualify based on property cash flow rather than traditional personal income documentation.
New Construction Loans
Financing solutions for building a new home, including eligible construction and construction-to-permanent programs.
Find the Right Loan for Your Next Chapter
Different goals. Different paths. Same expert guidance.
- Local ExpertiseUtah Communities
- Veteran FocusedVA Specialist
- Custom SolutionsFor Every Buyer
- Real GuidanceStart to Finish
| Feature | CONVENTIONALFlexible & widely available | FHAThe smart-money pick under 20% down | USDAZero down in eligible areas | VABuilt for those who serve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Buyers with stronger credit and stable income — including first-timers using 3%-down options. | Buyers putting less than 20% down, at any credit score. | Buyers in eligible rural or suburban areas with low-to-moderate income. | Active-duty service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses. |
| Min. down payment | As low as 3% (HomeReady / Home Possible for qualified buyers); 5–20% is common. | 3.5% with 580+ credit; 10% with 500–579 (HUD minimums). | 0% — no down payment required. | 0% — full 100% financing available. |
| Credit score | No agency-set minimum. Most lenders require 620+ (lender overlay); best pricing at higher scores. | 580+ for 3.5% down; 500–579 needs 10% down. Many lenders overlay higher minimums. | No USDA-set minimum. Most lenders want 640+ for automated approval (overlay). | No VA-set minimum. Most lenders require 620+ (overlay). |
| DTI guideline | Often up to 45–50% with strong compensating factors, per automated underwriting. | 43% is the standard benchmark; up to 56.9% with automated approval. | 29% / 41% guidelines (housing / total); exceptions with strong factors. | 41% benchmark — VA also weighs residual income left after bills. |
| Insurance / fees | PMI below 20% down; no upfront fee. PMI can be removed at 20% equity. | 1.75% upfront MIP (usually financed) + ~0.55%/yr annual MIP. | 1% upfront guarantee fee (usually financed) + 0.35%/yr annual fee — cheaper than FHA. | One-time funding fee instead of monthly PMI: 2.15% first use / 3.30% repeat use at 0% down. Exempt with service-connected disability. |
| Property eligibility | Primary, second home, or investment property (with limits). | Primary residence only. Must meet HUD health-and-safety standards. | Primary residence in a USDA-eligible area; income ≤115% of area median. Not just farms — many suburbs qualify. | Primary residence only (occupy within 60 days); must meet VA property requirements. |
| Key advantage | Flexible property types, no upfront insurance fee, PMI is removable. | 3.5% down; gift funds allowed; often lower rates than conventional. | Zero down + the lowest-cost insurance of any government program. | Zero down, no monthly PMI, typically lower rates. |
| Watch out for | Higher scores needed for best rates; PMI adds cost below 20% down. | Upfront + ongoing MIP; stricter property condition standards. | Area and income restrictions — verify the address on USDA’s eligibility map. | Funding fee unless exempt; service-eligibility and occupancy rules apply. |
| Learn more | Learn more about Conventional loans → | Learn more about FHA loans → | Learn more about USDA loans → | Learn more about VA loans → |
- Best for
- Buyers with stronger credit and stable income — including first-timers using 3%-down options.
- Min. down payment
- As low as 3% (HomeReady / Home Possible for qualified buyers); 5–20% is common.
- Credit score
- No agency-set minimum. Most lenders require 620+ (lender overlay).
- DTI guideline
- Often up to 45–50% with strong compensating factors.
- Insurance / fees
- PMI below 20% down; no upfront fee. Removable at 20% equity.
- Property eligibility
- Primary, second home, or investment property (with limits).
- Key advantage
- Flexible property types, no upfront fee, PMI is removable.
- Watch out for
- Higher scores for best rates; PMI adds cost below 20% down.
- Best for
- Buyers putting less than 20% down, at any credit score.
- Min. down payment
- 3.5% with 580+ credit; 10% with 500–579.
- Credit score
- 580+ for 3.5% down; 500–579 needs 10% down. Many lenders overlay higher.
- DTI guideline
- 43% standard benchmark; higher possible with compensating factors.
- Insurance / fees
- 1.75% upfront MIP (usually financed) + ~0.55%/yr annual MIP.
- Property eligibility
- Primary residence only. Must meet HUD health-and-safety standards.
- Key advantage
- Low down payment, flexible credit; gift funds allowed for the full down payment.
- Watch out for
- Upfront + ongoing MIP; stricter property condition standards.
- Best for
- Buyers in eligible rural or suburban areas with low-to-moderate income.
- Min. down payment
- 0% — no down payment required.
- Credit score
- No USDA-set minimum. Most lenders want 640+ for automated approval.
- DTI guideline
- 29% / 41% guidelines; exceptions with strong factors.
- Insurance / fees
- 1% upfront guarantee fee + 0.35%/yr annual fee — cheaper than FHA.
- Property eligibility
- Primary residence in a USDA-eligible area; income ≤115% of area median. Not just farms.
- Key advantage
- Zero down + the lowest-cost insurance of any government program.
- Watch out for
- Area and income restrictions — verify the address on USDA’s eligibility map.
- Best for
- Active-duty service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses.
- Min. down payment
- 0% — full 100% financing available.
- Credit score
- No VA-set minimum. Most lenders require 620+ (overlay).
- DTI guideline
- 41% benchmark — VA also weighs residual income left after bills.
- Insurance / fees
- One-time funding fee instead of monthly PMI: 2.15% first use / 3.30% repeat use at 0% down. Exempt with service-connected disability.
- Property eligibility
- Primary residence only (occupy within 60 days); must meet VA property requirements.
- Key advantage
- Zero down, no monthly PMI, typically lower rates.
- Watch out for
- Funding fee unless exempt; service-eligibility and occupancy rules apply.
Figures reflect agency guidelines as of October 2026 and change over time. Lenders add their own overlays (like higher credit minimums), and every file is judged on its full merits — ranges above are typical, not guaranteed approvals. See the full breakdown →
Meet Kris Matyas — The Mortgage Rebel
I’ve been helping people navigate the mortgage industry since 1998. With more than 25 years of experience and a background serving in the U.S. Army, I believe getting a mortgage should come with straight answers, real solutions, and zero unnecessary BS.
As an independent mortgage broker serving Utah, I work to find financing options that fit your situation—not force you into a one-size-fits-all loan.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a fellow veteran, a business owner, or a real estate investor, my mission is simple: help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
No games. No runaround. Just mortgages done right.
Real Clients. Real Results. No BS.
5.0 out of 5 on Google · 32 reviews (verified October 10, 2026)
Kris is amazing!! He went the extra mile throughout my journey. Very knowledgeable and helpful. He helped me purchase an investment property and refinance my home. He totally knocked it out of the park for me. I’m extremely grateful. I highly recommend Kris to everyone.
We had an outstanding experience working with Kris Matyas. From the beginning, Kris contacted us immediately and took the time to clearly explain all of our options, making sure we understood what would work best for our situation.
Kris was amazing to work with! A super nice and personable guy. He answered all my questions super fast. Kept me in the loop, and went above and beyond doing things I didn’t even know were possible! I can’t recommend him enough. Thanks Kris, you’re the man!
Kris has provided excellent service through both of the houses I have bought and most recently my refinance. He has always been straight forward with me and I appreciate it greatly. I keep his number saved and would recommend him to anyone interested in buying or refinancing.
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Utah Communities
Local home-financing guides for the Utah communities Kris serves every day.
Know your numbers
What could your monthly payment look like?
Change the numbers to explore a fixed-rate mortgage estimate. The starting 6% interest rate is an illustration, not a current rate or offer.
Veterans receiving VA disability compensation for a service-connected disability are generally exempt from the VA funding fee. A 0% disability rating alone does not establish an exemption. Other exemptions may apply. Your exemption status must be verified through VA.
For a VA refinance, enter the base loan before its funding fee; purchase price and down payment are not used. This estimate covers standard VA purchase/construction, cash-out, and IRRRL loans. Special and joint-loan cases require lender and VA review.
Estimated monthly housing payment
- Principal & interest
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- Property taxes
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- Homeowners insurance
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- HOA dues
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- Mortgage insurance
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- Estimated loan balance
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- VA funding fee (one-time)
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All starting amounts are examples. Enter property-specific taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and any mortgage insurance. VA loans have no monthly mortgage insurance; other programs may require it. A zero entry does not mean an expense is waived. VA fee estimates use the current VA fee charts, checked October 11, 2026. VA determines exemption status; a disability rating alone is not used to decide it here.
Estimates are not loan offers, guaranteed rates, approvals, or Loan Estimates. The interest rate is not APR. This fixed-rate calculation excludes other closing costs, utilities, maintenance, special assessments, and future changes in taxes, insurance, or dues. Rounding and lender calculations may differ. These entries are calculated in your browser and are not submitted as a mortgage application.
Ready to Make Your Next Move?
Let’s talk through your goals, compare your options, and build a plan that makes sense for you.
Straight answers. Experienced guidance. No unnecessary BS.
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