Will applying for a mortgage hurt my credit score?

No. James Hair uses a soft pull only for the initial consultation. It will not impact your credit score in any way. You can find out exactly what you qualify for with zero risk to your credit.

Should I call a lender or realtor first when buying a home?

Always call the lender first. The lender controls the money. Knowing exactly what you qualify for before you start shopping means you never fall in love with a house you can't close on. Call James first. It's free and soft pull only.

Can I get a mortgage if I was told I don't qualify?

Yes, in many cases. James Hair specializes in complex files — commission earners, self-employed buyers, credit rebuilders, high DTI borrowers, and buyers turned down elsewhere. He performs manual underwrites for VA and FHA loans. A denial from one lender is not a final answer.

What is an FHA 203K loan and how fast does it close?

The FHA 203K Limited loan lets you buy a home AND finance up to $75,000 in non-structural repairs in one mortgage, one closing, one payment. James Hair closed his own FHA 203K loan in 53 days from offer to keys on commission income with a 51% DTI.

Do I need a 20% down payment to buy a home?

No. VA loans require $0 down payment. USDA loans offer 100% financing for eligible rural and suburban properties. FHA loans require 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score. HomeReady and Home One conventional loans start at 3% down. If you own land, that equity can cover the down payment on a modular home package.

What states is James Hair licensed in?

James Hair is licensed as a mortgage loan originator in 9 states: Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. NMLS #1680348.

What is a USDA loan and who qualifies?

A USDA loan is a 100% financing mortgage for eligible rural and suburban properties. No down payment is required. USDA mortgage insurance is lower than FHA. Many areas around Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Jackson MS, and Central Mississippi qualify. Income limits apply based on household size and county.

What is a VA loan and who qualifies?

A VA home loan is a mortgage benefit for veterans, active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, and surviving spouses. VA loans require zero down payment, have no PMI, and offer competitive rates reusable for life. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating may have the funding fee waived entirely.

Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?

Yes. FHA loans are available with credit scores as low as 580 for 3.5% down, and as low as 500 for 10% down. VA loans have no minimum credit score set by the VA. James Hair performs manual underwrites for both VA and FHA loans, reviewing your complete financial picture rather than just the credit score.

Can self-employed borrowers get a mortgage?

Yes. James Hair specializes in self-employed mortgage files. He closed his own home on commission income with over a 51% debt-to-income ratio. For self-employed borrowers he works with bank statement loans, 1099 income documentation, and traditional tax return analysis to find the best qualifying path.

A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan qualifies a borrower based on the rental income of the investment property rather than personal income. No tax returns or W-2s are required. LLC closings are available. This is ideal for real estate investors who want to grow a portfolio without personal income documentation.

How long does it take to close a mortgage with James Hair?

James Hair averages 28 days from contract to close — faster than the industry average. His background as a processor, underwriter, and funder gives him the ability to identify and resolve file issues before they delay closings.

Can I use land I own as a down payment on a manufactured or modular home?

Yes. If you own land free and clear, 100% of its appraised value counts as equity toward a home package. In some cases this means zero cash out of pocket at closing. This is one of the most popular financing structures in Mississippi, where multi-generational land ownership is common.

Find a Local REALTOR® | Trusted Agent Partners | James Hair, CrossCountry Mortgage

Trusted Partners · Louisiana · Mississippi · Texas

Need a Local Agent?
We Know Someone.

James Hair works with trusted REALTORS® across multiple states — agents he's closed with, vetted personally, and recommends without hesitation. Backed by CrossCountry Mortgage, America's #1 Retail Mortgage Lender. Find your market below.

Get Pre-Approved First — Free Talk to James

The agents listed on this page are independent REALTORS® operating in their respective markets. James Hair does not receive compensation for referrals to these agents. These relationships are based on prior closed transactions and professional experience working together. All mortgage financing is provided by CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC · NMLS #1680348 · Equal Housing Lender.

Why This Team Works

Backed by America's #1 Retail Mortgage Lender

Every agent on this page has closed real transactions with James — and James closes backed by CrossCountry Mortgage, the nation's #1 retail lender three years running. CCM operates 700+ branches nationwide, closed over 131,000 home purchases in 2025, and offers 120+ loan products. That means when your local agent sends you to James, you get local relationships and national lending power in one place.

Retail Mortgage Lender in America

28 Days

James's Average Close Time

5.0 · 18

Verified 5-Star Reviews

Trusted Partners by Market

One Preferred Agent. Every Market.

Each agent below has a dedicated co-branded page with buyer resources, a payment calculator, and everything you need to get started. Click their card to learn more.

📍 Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana

LaRhonda Thomas

REALTOR® · Keller Williams Realty First Choice — Top producing REALTOR® in Greater Baton Rouge. LaRhonda and James have closed multiple transactions together and have appeared together on Louisiana First News.

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📍 Greater Jackson, Mississippi

Hartley Havard

REALTOR® · Broker Associate · Havard Real Estate Group · Pearl, MS — Multi-Million Dollar Producer with 7+ years in the Greater Jackson market. Currently has active contracts with James.

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📍 Magee & Central Mississippi

Linda Curlee

REALTOR® · Main Street Realty / Team MSR · Magee, MS — 32 years of experience in Central Mississippi real estate. Listed in both Central Mississippi and Hattiesburg MLS systems.

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📍 Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Siri Solange

MBA · REALTOR® · Competitive Edge Realty · DFW, TX — Published author of "The Complete Guide to Buying a Home." Covers the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and surrounding communities.

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For REALTORS®

Are You a REALTOR® Looking for a Lender Who Closes?

James Hair averages 28 days from contract to close, backed by CrossCountry Mortgage — America's #1 Retail Mortgage Lender. He works complex files — VA manual underwrites, commission income, high DTI, credit rebuilders — the files other lenders decline. If you want a lender your clients can count on and your deals can close, let's talk.

Partner with James → 📞 448-777-2126

James Hair

Producing Branch Manager · CrossCountry Mortgage · NMLS #1680348

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James.Hair@CCM.com

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Backed by America's #1 Retail Mortgage Lender

One Preferred Agent. Every Market.

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