In this episode of Your Favorite Mortgage Guy Podcast, host Steve Rockefeller sits down with seasoned mortgage expert Holly Cross from CMG Home Loans to break down the biggest questions and misconceptions about home loans. With 20 years of experience, Holly shares why having a true mortgage advisor—not just a lender—is critical when navigating one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. They cover everything from pre-approvals vs. pre-qualifications, the truth about grants and first-time homebuyer programs, to what really impacts your loan options—like student loans, childcare expenses, and being self-employed. Whether you're buying your first home or just want to be better informed, this episode is packed with real-world insights and advice you won't get from a website.