Question 1

How do I choose the best mortgage lender in Colorado?

Accepted Answer

Compare more than the rate. Look at the full Loan Estimate (APR, lender fees, points), how quickly the loan officer responds, whether they offer down payment assistance programs like CHFA, and their verified reviews. Ashley Hickmon has 1,274 verified reviews on Experience.com with a 4.83 out of 5 average and is licensed in Colorado (CO license #100016932).

Question 2

Who is Ashley Hickmon?

Accepted Answer

Ashley Hickmon is SVP of Sales Development and Growth and a Branch Manager (NMLS #250615) with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #2289) She has been named among the Top 1% Mortgage Originators (2021–2025), Top Women Originators (2022–2025), Top Originator (2022–2025) and Top 200 Mortgage Originators (2021–2025), and helps first-time and repeat buyers in many states find the right loan and layer in grants or assistance.

Question 3

Which states is Ashley Hickmon licensed in?

Accepted Answer

Ashley is licensed in many states, including Colorado, Arizona, California, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia and more. See the full list of state licenses in the footer of every page or verify on NMLS Consumer Access.

Question 4

How much do I need for a down payment?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the loan. VA and USDA loans can require 0% down, FHA requires 3.5%, and some conventional loans allow 3% down. Down payment assistance programs can cover part or all of that amount for qualified buyers.

Question 5

What is down payment assistance and do I qualify?

Accepted Answer

Down payment assistance includes grants, forgivable loans and deferred second mortgages offered by state and local housing agencies. Eligibility usually depends on income, purchase price, credit score and sometimes first-time buyer status. Many programs are open to repeat buyers too.

Question 6

What is the CHFA down payment assistance program in Colorado?

Accepted Answer

The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) offers a down payment assistance grant of up to 3% of the first mortgage, plus a second-mortgage option, for eligible buyers who use a CHFA first mortgage. Income and price limits apply and change periodically.

Question 7

What credit score do I need to buy a house?

Accepted Answer

Many FHA programs allow scores around 580, while conventional loans typically start at 620. Higher scores generally mean better pricing. Ashley can review your situation and suggest steps to improve your options.

Question 8

How long does it take to get pre-approved?

Accepted Answer

Often the same day once you share your income, asset and credit information. A pre-approval letter helps your real estate agent write offers with confidence.

Question 9

Does talking to Ashley affect my credit?

Accepted Answer

No. A quick call or text to talk through your options requires no application and no credit pull. A credit check only happens when you're ready to apply for pre-approval.

Question 10

Can I buy a home if I'm self-employed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Self-employed borrowers can qualify with tax returns, and alternative documentation options such as bank-statement loans may be available. Requirements vary by program.

Question 11

What is a DSCR loan?

Accepted Answer

A DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) loan is an investor mortgage that qualifies on a property's rental income compared to its monthly housing payment, instead of your personal tax returns and pay stubs. Lenders generally want the rent to cover more than the payment — a ratio above 1.0. DSCR loans are used to buy rentals and short-term rentals, refinance an existing investment property, or pull cash out. Ratios, requirements and pricing vary by program; Ashley can run the numbers on a specific property before you commit to an offer.

Question 12

Should I refinance my mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Refinancing can make sense if it lowers your rate or payment enough to recover closing costs, removes mortgage insurance, shortens your term or lets you access equity. Ashley can run a break-even comparison for you.

Question 13

Where are Ashley Hickmon's offices?

Accepted Answer

The Ashley Hickmon Team has offices in Colorado and Florida, including 1415 Panther Lane, Office 318, Naples, FL 34109, and serves borrowers in many states.

Question 14

Does Ashley help veterans with VA loans?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ashley is a Military Mortgage Specialist and helps eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses use VA loans, which can require zero down payment.

Question 15

Does Ashley Hickmon offer reverse mortgages?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ashley is a Fairway Reverse Mortgage Planner and can explain whether a reverse mortgage fits homeowners 62 and older.

Question 16

Does Ashley speak Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Yes — se habla español. Call or text 303-669-8454.

Question 17

What is The Down Payment Finder?

Accepted Answer

The Down Payment Finder is a free website Ashley created to make down payment assistance easier to understand. It lists grants, forgivable loans and other homebuyer help programs state by state, in plain English, so you can see what you might qualify for before talking to a loan officer. It is available at TheDownPaymentFinder.com.

Every mortgage question, answered.

Getting to know Ashley