Questions doctors ask before buying

Often, yes: many physician loan programs let you qualify with a signed employment contract and close before your start date, within a window each lender sets.

Many physician loans allow 0% to 10% down for qualifying doctors; the exact amount depends on the lender, the loan size and your finances.

Most physician loans do not charge private mortgage insurance, even when you put down less than 20%.

Yes, you don't need US citizenship or residency to own property in California, but financing for buyers without US credit history works differently, so talk to a lender who works with foreign nationals early.

Some lenders offer physician-style loans to nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, pharmacists or veterinarians, but eligibility varies widely, so ask each lender directly.

Yes; buying a building for your practice uses commercial financing, such as a commercial bank loan or an SBA program, which has different down payment and approval rules than a home loan.

No; 20% down avoids PMI on a conventional loan, but physician loans, VA loans and many conventional programs allow much less.

It depends on the lender: some use your income-driven payment, some set aside loans in deferment, and some use a percentage of the balance, so the same doctor can qualify for very different amounts.

Once your offer is accepted, escrow in San Diego commonly takes about 30 to 45 days; the search before that depends on the market and your flexibility.

Buyers now sign a written agreement with their agent that states how the agent is paid; the seller often covers it but not always, and I'll walk you through it before we start.

Yes; I work in English and Spanish, and buyers coming from Tijuana or Baja can do the whole process with me in Spanish.

No; I'm a real estate agent, not a lender: I introduce you to lenders who offer physician loans, and you choose who to work with.