Legal & Policies
Privacy Policy
Smart Home Lending, LLC — NMLS #2140357
Last updated: June 24, 2026
This Privacy Policy describes how Smart Home Lending, LLC (“Smart Home Lending,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and discloses personal information through our website and in the course of our business. Our separate Financial Privacy Notice provides additional information about how we handle the nonpublic personal information we collect in connection with mortgage products and services.
Information We Collect
We collect personal information about you in several ways and from several sources, including the following categories:
Identifiers and contact information, such as your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number.
Device and online activity information, such as your IP address, device and browser type, cookie and similar identifiers, the pages you view, and your referring or most-recently-visited URLs, collected automatically through cookies and similar technologies.
Property and transaction information about the property and the loan or transaction you inquire about.
Financial information, such as income, employment, assets, liabilities, account information, and credit history, which we collect when you apply for or inquire about a loan.
Government identifiers, such as a Social Security number, where required to process a mortgage application.
Communications, including records of your calls, emails, and text messages with us, and your marketing preferences.
Referral and attribution information, including the source that referred you to us and related campaign or marketing data.
Recruiting information that loan officers and referral partners provide when they contact us about working with us.
Inferences and preferences we draw from the above to tailor our communications.
We collect this information from you and any co-applicant; from realtors, financial advisors, builders, and referral partners; from lenders, credit bureaus, verification providers, and public records; from advertising and lead-generation partners; from our existing customer and prospect databases; and from your devices and interactions with our website. With your consent, we also obtain financial account information through our service provider Plaid (see “Use of Plaid” below). When you provide personal information about another individual, such as a co-applicant, you represent that you are authorized to provide it and to share any notices required by applicable law.
How We Use Information
We use the personal information we collect to:
respond to your inquiries and requests and provide and improve our services;
evaluate and process your inquiry or application; facilitate underwriting, closing, funding, and servicing by participating lenders and service providers; and communicate with you about your loan;
administer, secure, and analyze the use of our website;
send you marketing and promotional communications consistent with your preferences and applicable law; and
comply with our legal, regulatory, and recordkeeping obligations.
We send marketing communications in accordance with applicable law and the preferences and permissions associated with your information. You can opt out of marketing emails using the unsubscribe link in any message, by replying to the email, or by calling (913) 599-9222.
How We Disclose Information
We do not sell or rent your personal information for money. We disclose personal information as needed to provide our services and as permitted or required by law, including to:
participating wholesale lenders and investors;
loan-origination, application, and processing platforms;
credit bureaus and verification providers;
appraisal, title, settlement, insurance, and fraud-prevention providers;
service providers that support our CRM, hosting, email, text messaging, scheduling, analytics, and advertising;
our professional advisors and regulators, and others when required by law or legal process; and
a successor entity in connection with a merger, acquisition, financing, or sale of assets.
We require service providers to protect the information they process on our behalf and to use it only for the services they provide to us.
Advertising and Analytics
We use analytics and advertising technologies to understand how our website is used and to measure and improve our marketing. These include Google Analytics, Google Ads, the Meta (Facebook/Instagram) pixel, and our GoHighLevel CRM. These providers may use cookies and similar technologies to collect identifiers, device information, and information about your activity on our site and, in some cases, across other sites over time, including for retargeting.
We do not sell your personal information for monetary consideration. However, depending on applicable law, some of these advertising and analytics disclosures may be considered a “sale,” “sharing,” or “processing for targeted advertising.” You can limit or opt out of this tracking through your browser settings, the opt-out tools offered by Google and Meta, and industry opt-out pages such as the Digital Advertising Alliance (optout.aboutads.info) and the Network Advertising Initiative (optout.networkadvertising.org). You may also contact us using the information at the end of this policy. See “Cookies and Tracking Technologies” and “Your Privacy Rights” below.
Text Messaging (SMS/MMS) and Mobile Consent
When you provide your mobile phone number and consent through a form on our website, we may send you text messages (SMS/MMS) related to your loan inquiry and application. These may include transactional messages, such as updates on the status of your application, and, where you have separately consented, marketing and promotional messages such as rate updates and special offers.
Consent. We send text messages only to individuals who have opted in by providing their mobile number and affirmatively agreeing to receive text messages from us. Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of any purchase or of applying for a loan.
No sale of mobile opt-in data. Mobile information and SMS consent will not be sold, rented, or disclosed to third parties or affiliates for their own marketing or promotional purposes. We may disclose this information to service providers that help us deliver and administer our messaging program, subject to contractual restrictions on their use of the information.
Message frequency and rates. Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply, depending on your mobile carrier and plan.
How to opt out. You can opt out of receiving text messages at any time by replying STOP to any message you receive from us. After you reply STOP, we may send a single confirmation message acknowledging your opt-out, and you will not receive further text messages from that program unless you opt in again.
Help. For help, reply HELP to any message, contact us at (913) 599-9222, or email us at hello@smarthomelending.com.
Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
When you view our website, we may store information on your device in the form of “cookies” or similar technologies. Cookies are small data files that help the website function, remember your preferences, understand how visitors use the site, and improve your experience. Some cookies are necessary for the site to work; others help us with analytics and advertising, as described above. You can set your browser to refuse some or all cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent; however, if you disable cookies, some parts of our site, including registered account pages, may not function properly.
Use of Plaid
We use Plaid Inc. (“Plaid”) to gather End User data from financial institutions. By using our services, you grant Smart Home Lending, LLC and Plaid the right, power, and authority to act on your behalf to access and transmit your personal and financial information from the relevant financial institution. You agree to your personal and financial information being transferred, stored, and processed by Plaid in accordance with the Plaid End User Privacy Policy.
Financial Privacy (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act)
As a mortgage broker, Smart Home Lending, LLC is a “financial institution” under the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA). In connection with mortgage services, we collect nonpublic personal information (“NPI”) about you from your applications and other forms, from your transactions with us and others, and from consumer reporting agencies. We disclose NPI only as permitted by law—for example, to lenders, investors, and service providers that help us evaluate, process, underwrite, close, or service your loan; to credit bureaus; and to government agencies or others in response to legal process or regulatory requirements. We do not sell your NPI, and we do not share it with nonaffiliated third parties for their own marketing purposes. We restrict access to NPI to those who need it to provide products or services to you, and we maintain safeguards designed to protect it.
This is a summary. Our separate Financial Privacy Notice provides additional detail about our collection, use, and disclosure of nonpublic personal information, consistent with the federal privacy rules for financial institutions.
Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, to provide our services, to comply with our legal, regulatory, and recordkeeping obligations (including applicable mortgage and financial-services recordkeeping requirements), to resolve disputes, and to enforce our agreements. Retention periods vary depending on the type of information and the applicable legal requirements.
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including the right to request access to it, to request that we correct or delete it, and to opt out of targeted advertising or certain data sharing. To make a request, please contact us using the information at the end of this policy. For your protection, we may need to verify your identity before acting on a request, and an authorized agent may submit a request on your behalf where permitted by law. Some information is subject to legal and regulatory retention requirements, including mortgage recordkeeping rules, and certain exemptions may apply, so we may not be able to fully delete information we are required to keep. We will respond as required by applicable law, will tell you how to appeal where you have that right, and will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.
Children’s Privacy
Our website and services are intended for adults and are not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected such information, we will take appropriate steps to delete it.
Do Not Track and Opt-Out Preference Signals
Some browsers and extensions offer a “Do Not Track” (DNT) signal or a universal opt-out preference signal such as Global Privacy Control (GPC). There is not yet a common industry standard for responding to DNT signals, and our response to universal opt-out preference signals varies depending on applicable law and the technical capabilities of our website.
Security
We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, alteration, and disclosure, consistent with our obligations as a financial institution, including the FTC Safeguards Rule. These measures include access controls appropriate to the nature and sensitivity of the information, and we require relevant service providers to protect information they process on our behalf. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Legal Disclosure
We reserve the right to disclose your personal information as required by law and when we believe that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights and/or comply with a judicial proceeding, court order, or legal process served on us.
Changes to this Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the revised policy on this page and update the “Last updated” date above. Where required by law, we will provide additional notice or obtain your consent before applying materially different practices to personal information we previously collected. Please review this policy periodically. Should you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or need assistance regarding it, please contact us using the information below.
Contact
Smart Home Lending, LLC
5440 W 110th St Suite 300, Overland Park, KS 66211
Phone: (913) 599-9222
Email: hello@smarthomelending.com
NMLS #2140357 | Equal Housing Opportunity
See our Licensing & State Disclosures for the states in which we are licensed.
What is the first step in getting a mortgage?
The first step is getting pre-approved. At Smart Home Lending, pre-approval takes as little as 24 hours and gives you a clear picture of your budget, loan options, and buying power before you start shopping. Pre-approval is free, requires no commitment, and shows sellers you are a serious buyer.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Down payment requirements vary by loan type. Conventional loans start as low as 3% down, FHA loans require 3.5% down for borrowers with a 580 or higher credit score, and VA and USDA loans offer 0% down for eligible borrowers. A larger down payment typically reduces your monthly payment and may eliminate private mortgage insurance (PMI). Your loan officer can help identify the program that fits your goals.
How long does the mortgage approval process take?
Pre-approval at Smart Home Lending typically takes 24 to 48 hours. Full loan approval, from application to clear to close, generally takes 21 to 30 days depending on the loan type, appraisal timeline, and how quickly you submit documents. Staying responsive during underwriting is the best way to keep the process on track.
Do I need perfect credit to qualify for a home loan?
No, perfect credit is not required. FHA loans are available to borrowers with credit scores as low as 580. Conventional loans typically require a minimum score of 620. VA loans have flexible credit guidelines with no set minimum from the VA itself. Higher credit scores generally qualify for lower interest rates, so it is worth asking your loan officer whether improving your score before applying makes sense for your timeline.
How are mortgage rates determined?
Mortgage rates are shaped by a combination of market conditions and your personal financial profile. Key factors include your credit score, loan-to-value ratio, loan type (conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA), loan term, and debt-to-income ratio. Lenders also watch broader economic indicators like the 10-year Treasury yield. Rates change daily, so a Smart Home Lending loan officer can give you a real-time quote based on your specific situation.
Are there any hidden fees in the mortgage process?
All mortgage costs are required by federal law to be disclosed in writing on a Loan Estimate, provided within three business days of your application. This document itemizes your interest rate, monthly payment, closing costs, and any lender fees. Smart Home Lending walks you through every line before you move forward, so you know exactly what to expect at closing.
Can I lower my mortgage interest rate later by refinancing?
Yes. Refinancing replaces your current mortgage with a new loan, often at a lower rate, which can reduce your monthly payment or total interest paid over the life of the loan. Refinancing typically makes financial sense when market rates drop at least 0.5% to 1% below your current rate. Your break-even point, meaning the time it takes for monthly savings to cover closing costs, matters too. Smart Home Lending can run a cost-benefit analysis to help you decide if and when refinancing is worth it.
What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?
Most mortgage applications require a government-issued photo ID, federal tax returns from the past two years, recent pay stubs (last 30 days), two to three months of bank statements, and documentation of any additional income. Self-employed borrowers typically provide two years of business tax returns and a current profit and loss statement. Your loan officer will give you a personalized document checklist based on your loan type and financial profile.
Will I have a dedicated loan officer to guide me through the process?
Yes. Every Smart Home Lending client works with a dedicated loan officer from application through closing. Your loan officer coordinates with the title company and real estate agent, answers your questions, and keeps you updated at every stage. You will always know who to contact and where your loan stands.
What happens after I get pre-approved for a mortgage?
Once pre-approved, you receive a pre-approval letter stating your loan amount and estimated terms, which you can present with offers to show sellers you are a qualified buyer. When your offer is accepted, your loan officer opens the full loan file, orders the appraisal, and moves into underwriting. From accepted offer to closing, the full process typically takes three to four weeks at Smart Home Lending.
What is a DSCR loan and who qualifies?
DSCR stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio. It is a loan program designed for real estate investors that qualifies borrowers based on the rental income of the property rather than personal income or employment history. A DSCR of 1.0 means the property's rental income covers the mortgage payment exactly. Most lenders look for a DSCR of 1.0 or higher. These loans are ideal for investors building a rental portfolio who want to keep their personal finances separate from their investment activity. Smart Home Lending offers DSCR loans across its licensed states.
Can I get a mortgage if I am self-employed?
Yes. Self-employed borrowers can qualify for the same loan programs as W-2 employees, including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Lenders typically use two years of personal and business tax returns to calculate qualifying income, averaging net income over that period. Smart Home Lending works with self-employed borrowers regularly and can help you identify which documentation approach produces the strongest application.
What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is an informal estimate of what you might be able to borrow based on self-reported income and assets. Pre-approval is a verified review of your credit, income, and financial documents, and carries significantly more weight with sellers and real estate agents. At Smart Home Lending, we recommend getting pre-approved before you start shopping so your offer is backed by a real lender review, not just an estimate.
What states does Smart Home Lending serve?
Smart Home Lending is licensed to broker residential mortgage loans in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas (NMLS #2140357). If you are located in one of these states and are ready to buy, refinance, or explore your loan options, a Smart Home Lending loan officer is available to help.
Can I buy a home with no money down?
Yes, in certain cases. VA loans offer 100% financing with no down payment for eligible active-duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses. USDA loans also offer zero down payment for eligible borrowers purchasing in qualifying rural and suburban areas. Both programs require meeting specific eligibility criteria. Smart Home Lending can help you determine whether you qualify and walk you through the application.