Experienced mortgage guidance for homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate partners. Based in Queen Creek, Lori works with homebuyers throughout the East Valley, across Arizona, and in additional states where she is licensed.
She help buyers compare conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, first-time homebuyer, and other mortgage options so they understand the payment, cash needed to close, and long-term cost before making a decision.
How much money do I need to buy a home?
The answer depends on the loan program, purchase price, down payment, closing costs, and available assistance. Some eligible borrowers may qualify for low-down-payment or no-down-payment options.
Do I need 20% down to buy a home?
No. Several mortgage programs allow eligible borrowers to purchase with less than 20% down.
Should I choose FHA or conventional?
Neither is automatically better. Credit, down payment, mortgage insurance, cash to close, property type, and long-term plans all matter.
How early should I talk to a mortgage lender?
Ideally, before you begin seriously shopping for homes. Early conversations can help identify financing options and potential issues before you make an offer.
Can I buy a home if I am self-employed?
Potentially, yes. Self-employed borrowers may need different income documentation, but being self-employed does not automatically prevent mortgage qualification.
Can I use a VA loan more than once?
Potentially, yes. Eligibility and available entitlement determine how the benefit may be reused.
Lori Smolke is a Mortgage Loan Officer with Fairway Home Mortgage, NMLS #916797, based in Queen Creek, Arizona. She has worked in mortgage lending since 1993 and helps homebuyers and homeowners evaluate conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, first-time buyer, investment-property, and refinance options.
Lori works with borrowers throughout Arizona and in additional states where she is licensed. Her approach is centered on clear explanations, responsive communication, and helping clients understand the differences between financing options before making a decision.
How much money do I need to buy a home?
The answer depends on the loan program, purchase price, down payment, closing costs, and available assistance. Some eligible borrowers may qualify for low-down-payment or no-down-payment options.
Do I need 20% down to buy a home?
No. Several mortgage programs allow eligible borrowers to purchase with less than 20% down.
Should I choose FHA or conventional?
Neither is automatically better. Credit, down payment, mortgage insurance, cash to close, property type, and long-term plans all matter.
How early should I talk to a mortgage lender?
Ideally, before you begin seriously shopping for homes. Early conversations can help identify financing options and potential issues before you make an offer.
Can I buy a home if I am self-employed?
Potentially, yes. Self-employed borrowers may need different income documentation, but being self-employed does not automatically prevent mortgage qualification.
Can I use a VA loan more than once?
Potentially, yes. Eligibility and available entitlement determine how the benefit may be reused.
Experienced Mortgage Guidance. Clear Communication. Relationships First.
Buying a home or choosing the right mortgage can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be.
I’m Lori Smolke, Mortgage Loan Officer with Fairway Home Mortgage, NMLS #916797, based in Queen Creek, Arizona. I have spent my career helping homebuyers and homeowners understand their financing options, make informed decisions, and move through the mortgage process with confidence.
My approach is simple: give people straight answers, explain the options clearly, and stay in communication from the first conversation through closing.
I believe a mortgage should fit your life and your goals — not the other way around.
More Than Just a Loan
There is rarely one mortgage option that is right for everyone.
That is why I take the time to understand the full picture before recommending a direction. Whether you are buying your first home, moving up, relocating, purchasing an investment property, using your VA home loan benefit, or simply trying to decide what makes the most sense financially, my job is to help you understand your choices.
I work with a variety of financing options, including:
The goal is not to push you toward a particular loan program. The goal is to help you understand the differences so you can make a decision you feel good about.
What You Can Expect When Working With Me
Clear Answers
Mortgage lending comes with plenty of terminology, numbers, and fine print. I believe you should understand what you are signing up for.
I will explain your options in plain language, including your estimated payment, down payment, mortgage insurance when applicable, cash needed for closing, and other important considerations.
Communication
One of the most frustrating parts of any real estate transaction is wondering what is happening.
I work hard to keep both my clients and their real estate agents informed throughout the mortgage process so everyone knows where things stand and what comes next.
Experience
Mortgage guidelines change. Markets change. Interest rates change. Every borrower is different.
Experience matters because sometimes the best solution is not the most obvious one. My role is to look at the entire situation, ask the right questions, and help identify the financing options that may work best.
Relationships First
I believe good business is built the old-fashioned way: through trust, communication, follow-through, and taking care of people.
My goal is not simply to help you close one mortgage. I want to be someone you feel comfortable calling years from now when you, a family member, a friend, or a client has a mortgage question.
Working With Homebuyers
Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, I want you to feel informed before you make an offer.
We can talk through questions such as:
There is no pressure to have everything figured out before calling me. Sometimes the best first step is simply a conversation.
Working With Real Estate Agents
I also value strong relationships with real estate professionals.
A good lending partner should do more than issue a pre-approval letter. I believe Realtors deserve a lender who communicates, helps educate buyers, understands deadlines, provides clear financing information, and remains available when questions come up.
My goal is to help make the financing side of the transaction easier for both the buyer and the agent.
Local Knowledge, Broader Reach
I am based in Queen Creek, Arizona, and work with buyers throughout the East Valley and beyond.
I am also licensed to help borrowers in multiple states. If you are purchasing outside Arizona or relocating, contact me and I can confirm whether I or someone on my team is licensed to assist with your particular property location.
My Philosophy
There are plenty of places to get a mortgage.
What matters is having someone who will take the time to explain the numbers, answer your questions, communicate throughout the process, and help you understand the decisions you are making.
That is the kind of mortgage experience I work to provide.
Have a Mortgage Question?
You do not need to know which loan program you want before reaching out.
Tell me what you are trying to accomplish, and we can start there.
Lori Smolke
Mortgage Loan Officer
Fairway Home Mortgage
NMLS #916797
Queen Creek, Arizona
All loans are subject to underwriting approval, program guidelines, property requirements, and applicable lender requirements. Available loan programs and terms may vary.
Mortgage lending since 1993. She can help you understand the differences between conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, and other available options.
Know what is happening throughout the financing process. Keeping everyone informed makes for a smoother and less stressful transaction.
Based in Queen Creek and licensed to assist borrowers in multiple states…AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, MI, MN, NC, NV, OR, SC, SD, WA, WY.
The goal is to find the financing option that fits your situation—not push everyone into one program. Mortgages are not a “one-size-fits-all”.
