Eric Kalinski
Mortgage Consultant
NMLS: 1627247
Phone: 877.243.2528 ext. 2711
Email: ekalinski@communitychoicecu.com
With a decade of experience at Community Choice, I specialize in creating simple, transparent lending paths whether you are buying your first home or unlocking the equity in your current one.
Let’s keep this simple
Real estate finance has a way of feeling more complicated than it needs to be. There’s a lot of paperwork, a lot of options, and a lot of terms nobody bothered to translate. My job is to cut through that — to lay out your options in plain language, answer the questions you didn’t know you were supposed to ask, and find the path that actually fits what you’re trying to do.
I’ve been at Community Choice for nearly a decade, focused on home equity and mortgage lending for the last several years. That’s a long enough runway to have seen most situations more than once — primary residences, second homes up north, cash-out refinances, first-time buyers starting from scratch. Whatever’s bringing you here, we’ll figure out the right next step together.
Where I can help
A few of the situations members come to me with most often:
- First-time buyers starting from zero. Walking through pre-approval, what programs you might qualify for, and what your budget actually looks like once taxes and insurance are in the math.
- Vacation or second home up north. Looking at how a second property is financed differently from a primary, what kind of down payment is realistic, and whether it makes sense as an investment or just a place to land.
- Refinancing or pulling cash out of your equity. Running the numbers on whether a refi pencils out once closing costs are in, and weighing it against a HELOC or fixed home equity loan depending on what the money is for.
The mortgage process
From dream to front door, getting a mortgage doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what it typically looks like:
Let’s run the numbers
Curious what your monthly payment could look like? Our mortgage calculator can help you estimate payments, explore price ranges, and plan with confidence. Try adjusting the numbers to see what works best for you!
Frequently asked questions
Does Community Choice offer mortgage pre‑approvals?
Yes! Mortgage pre‑approvals are available during the application process.
How quickly can I close on a mortgage?
Many mortgage loans at Community Choice close in under 30 days, helping you move forward faster with less waiting.
What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on information you share with us, usually over the phone. It gives you a ballpark of what you might be able to borrow. Pre-approval is a more thorough review where we verify your income, credit, and assets. It carries more weight with sellers and tells you exactly what you can borrow, so it’s the better option once you’re seriously shopping.
How long does the mortgage process usually take, from application to closing?
Most mortgages close within 30 to 45 days from application, though timing depends on factors like appraisal scheduling, how quickly documents come in, and the type of loan. We’ll give you a clearer timeline once we know more about your situation.
What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?
Have the following ready when you apply:
- Two most recent pay stubs
- W-2s from the last two years (or 1099s if self-employed)
- Two years of tax returns if you’re self-employed
- Two most recent bank and investment account statements
- Government-issued photo ID
- Information on any other properties you own
If your situation is more complex — gift funds, rental income, recent job change — we may ask for a few extra items.
How much house can I afford?
Your affordability depends on factors like income, monthly debt, credit history, down payment, and interest rates. A mortgage expert can help you understand your options and estimate a comfortable monthly payment before you start house hunting.
Should I get pre-approved before looking for a home?
Yes. Getting pre-approved can help you understand your budget, strengthen your offer, and make the home buying process feel more straightforward. Community Choice offers mortgage pre-approvals to help buyers shop with confidence.
What’s included in a monthly mortgage payment?
Most monthly mortgage payments include principal, interest, property taxes, and homeowners insurance. Some loans may also include mortgage insurance.
Can I buy a home before selling my current one?
Depending on your situation, yes. A mortgage expert can help you explore options that may allow you to buy before you sell.
What’s the difference between a fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage?
A fixed-rate mortgage keeps the same rate over time. An adjustable-rate mortgage may start with a lower rate that can change later based on market conditions.
Hear from happy members
Connect with Eric
Don’t wait! Make your dream home a reality today.
Homebuying can be an overwhelming process – we’d love to make the financing part a little less so. Reach out today for dedicated, personal support from pre-qualification all the way until closing.
