The Smith Mortgage Group · Powered by FCM
A Mortgage Lender for Home Loans in All 50 States: Your Home.Your Journey.Your Mortgage.
The Smith Mortgage Group pairs a hometown team in Shelbyville, Tennessee with the lending reach of First Community Mortgage. First-time buyers, veterans, investors and homeowners get competitive rates, honest guidance and a direct line to Sterling Smith from the first question to the closing table.
- Licensed in All 50 States
- Pre-Approval in as Little as 24 Hours
- No Hidden Fees · Full Transparency
- One Loan Officer, Start to Finish
- Military & Veteran Friendly
Where are you starting?
Pick the Path That Matches Your Goal
No two borrowers arrive with the same story. Choose the route closest to yours and we will point you toward the programs, tools and questions that matter most.
Buying Your First Home
Low-down-payment options such as FHA and USDA can shrink the cash you need up front. Our first-time homebuyer guide walks through budgeting, credit and offers in plain terms.
Learn more →Military and Veterans
Eligible service members, veterans and surviving spouses can typically buy with no down payment and no monthly PMI, and VA loans through FCM carry no lender fees.
Learn more →Refinancing a Current Loan
Lower the rate, shorten the term, pull out equity or move from an FHA loan to conventional. We compare rate-and-term, cash-out, FHA streamline and VA IRRRL routes side by side.
Learn more →Growing a Rental Portfolio
DSCR loans that qualify on a property's rent, portfolio lending, multi-unit purchases and fix-and-flip financing help investors keep deals moving when a bank says no.
Learn more →Purchase programs
Home Loan Programs for Buying and Building
Each program has its own down payment, credit and property rules. Approval always depends on qualification, underwriting and program guidelines, and we explain which ones apply to you before you commit.
Conventional Mortgages
Fixed and adjustable terms with down payments generally as low as 3%–5% for qualified buyers; PMI on less than 20% down can usually be removed later.
Learn more →FHA Loans
Government-insured financing that typically allows 3.5% down with qualifying credit and permits gift funds toward the down payment.
Learn more →VA Loans
A benefit earned through service, offering 0% down for eligible borrowers, no monthly mortgage insurance and the IRRRL for later refinancing.
Learn more →USDA Loans
Zero-down financing for homes in eligible rural and suburban areas, with household income limits that vary by location.
Learn more →Jumbo Mortgages
Financing for higher-priced homes whose loan amounts exceed conforming limits, underwritten with closer attention to reserves and income.
Learn more →Construction Loans
One-time-close construction-to-permanent loans and renovation financing that cover the build or remodel and the long-term mortgage together.
Learn more →Refinance and specialty
Refinancing, Investor and Non-QM Solutions
Some goals call for more than a standard purchase loan. These options cover existing homeowners, landlords, self-employed earners and anyone who wants an expert second opinion. You can also browse every mortgage service we offer on one page.
Refinancing Solutions
Rate-and-term, cash-out, FHA streamline and VA IRRRL options for lowering a payment, tapping equity or switching loan types.
Learn more →Investment Property Financing
DSCR, portfolio, multi-unit and fix-and-flip loans structured around rental income and investor strategy.
Learn more →Specialized Mortgage Programs
Bank statement, alternative documentation and credit-challenged Non-QM loans for borrowers whose tax returns tell only part of the story.
Learn more →Mortgage Consulting
One-on-one guidance on loan selection, rate comparison, refinance timing and getting financially ready to buy.
Learn more →Why borrowers stay
What You Get When You Work With Us
A Direct Line to Sterling Smith
You talk with the VP & Branch Manager, not a rotating call center. Calls, texts and emails get a reply within 2 business hours.
Learn more →Licensed Coast to Coast
Licensed to originate in all 50 states with more than 250 metro service areas, so a move across state lines does not mean starting over. See the areas we serve.
No Hard Pull to Start
Pre-qualifying does not require a hard credit inquiry, so you can learn where you stand before your score is touched.
Fast, Verified Pre-Approvals
Pre-approval decisions can come in as little as 24 hours, and same-day pre-approvals are available for complete files.
A Wide Program Shelf
From government-backed loans to Non-QM, one application can be matched against the options that genuinely fit.
Transparent Pricing
Rates, points and costs are explained up front so you can compare offers with confidence. That clarity is a big part of why clients return.
How it works
From Application to Closing in Four Stages
A clear roadmap keeps surprises out of the process. The detailed mortgage process timeline shows what happens each week and which documents to have ready.
Pre-Qualify and Get Pre-Approved
Share basic income, asset and credit details with no hard pull to start. Once documents are verified, a pre-approval decision can arrive in as little as 24 hours.
Match the Right Program
Sterling Smith reviews your goals, credit profile and property type, then lays out the programs that fit along with estimated payments and cash to close.
Lock, Appraise and Underwrite
After you are under contract, we lock your rate when you are ready, order the appraisal and work through underwriting conditions with you one by one. Our document checklist helps you gather paperwork early.
Close and Get the Keys
Most loans close in 30–45 days, and well-prepared, qualified files can reach a 21-day closing. You review final figures before signing day.
Client stories
In Our Clients' Words
Sterling Smith and The Smith Mortgage Group made our first home purchase completely stress-free. They explained every step clearly and got us closed in 28 days. We couldn't believe how smooth it was.
As a veteran, I'd heard VA loans were complicated. The Smith Mortgage Group handled everything from start to finish. Zero down, zero PMI, and they waived all lender fees. Incredible value — and an incredible team.
I'm self-employed and got turned down by two banks. Sterling Smith found an FCM bank statement program that worked perfectly for my situation. Closed on my investment property in 35 days.
Client stories as published by The Smith Mortgage Group. Read more on Sterling Smith's Facebook reviews page.
Tools and resources
Run the Numbers Before You Talk to Anyone
Our free calculators and guides help you set a realistic budget and walk into your consultation with sharper questions. The full collection lives in mortgage tools and resources.
Mortgage Payment Calculator
Estimate principal, interest, taxes and insurance for any price and down payment.
Learn more →Affordability Calculator
See a comfortable price range based on income, debts and the cash you have saved.
Learn more →Refinance Calculator
Compare your current loan with a new one and gauge how long a refinance takes to pay off.
Learn more →Loan Comparison Tool
Put two loan scenarios next to each other to weigh payment, cost and term.
Learn more →Mortgage Glossary
Quick definitions for escrow, DTI, points, PMI and the rest of the lending vocabulary.
Learn more →Common questions
Home Loan Questions We Hear Every Week
What credit score is usually needed for a home loan?
It depends on the program. Conventional loans generally look for scores around 620 or higher, while FHA typically allows 3.5% down with a qualifying score and may accept lower scores with more down. VA and USDA guidelines are more flexible, and Non-QM options use alternative credit review. Final eligibility always rests on underwriting.
Is pre-qualification the same as pre-approval?
No. Pre-qualification is an early estimate built on information you share, with no hard credit pull. A pre-approval verifies income, assets and credit, so sellers and agents treat the letter as far more meaningful. You can start a pre-qualification online in a few minutes.
How long does it take to close on a mortgage?
Most purchase and refinance loans close in 30–45 days from application. When documents are complete and the file qualifies cleanly, a 21-day closing is possible. Appraisal scheduling and how quickly conditions are cleared are the biggest variables.
Can I buy with a small down payment?
Often, yes. Eligible VA and USDA borrowers may put 0% down, FHA typically requires 3.5% with qualifying credit, and conventional loans can go as low as 3%–5% for qualified buyers. State and local down payment assistance programs may also be available, and we can help you check eligibility.
Do you lend outside Tennessee?
Yes. Our office is in Shelbyville, Tennessee, but the team is licensed to originate in all 50 states, so a borrower in another state works with the same advisor and the same process.
What does it cost to talk with you?
Nothing. The first conversation is free, carries no obligation and does not require a hard credit inquiry. Call or text 931-205-9873, or browse the mortgage FAQ for more answers first.
Nationwide Reach
Home loans in every state
Pick your state for local program notes and the metro areas we cover.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Keep Exploring
Related resources
Let's Talk
Let's talk about your mortgage goals
Tell us what you're planning and Sterling Smith will reply within two business hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm CT), or call or text 931-205-9873.
Loading the secure contact form… If it doesn't appear, call or text 931-205-9873 or email sterling.smith@fcmhomeloans.com.
Start Today
Ready to talk through your options?
Get a free, no-obligation consultation with Sterling Smith: clear answers, a side-by-side look at the programs you qualify for, and a plan built around your budget.