Conventional loans
A starting point for many homebuyers. Explore down payment choices and how they affect your monthly cost.
Explore this loan option ↗Serving all of California · Mortgage guidance
A clear path
to your next
chapter.
Buying a home is a big decision. Your mortgage doesn’t have to be a mystery. Let’s work through the numbers and find a path that makes sense for you.
Eric Murray · Senior Loan Officer · NMLS #2667183
Home starts with a conversation.Personal guidance. Practical answers.
Based in Carlsbad · Serving CaliforniaExperience in lending & appraisalFirst homes to investment properties
Find your starting point
Different goals.
Thoughtful options.
We’ll look at your bigger picture—your payment, cash on hand, and plans for the property—before talking through a loan.
Put numbers to the possibilities
What could your payment look like?
Use this tool for simple comparisons of how changes in price, down payment, interest rate, or loan term affect monthly principal and interest. Your total monthly housing cost will be higher once applicable taxes, insurance, and other expenses are included.
Get a personalized estimate ↗Need a starting point? View national mortgage-rate averages at Mortgage News Daily (opens in a new tab).
Third-party market information, not a rate quote from Westin Mortgage. Your available rate and APR may differ.
Enter your own figures and choose a term to calculate.
Principal & interest only—not your total monthly payment.
This estimate excludes property taxes, homeowners insurance, flood insurance, mortgage insurance (PMI or FHA MIP), HOA dues, and special assessments. Depending on your loan and property, these costs may be included in your mortgage payment or paid separately. Budget for them in addition to the amount shown below.
Monthly principal & interest ONLY
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Estimated loan amount
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Illustrative fixed-rate calculation using your inputs, not an offer, rate quote, or APR. Enter an annual interest rate from your own scenario. APR also reflects certain borrowing costs. Excludes property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, and HOA dues. Actual payments and terms will vary.
Eric MurraySenior Loan Officer · NMLS #2667183
Meet Eric Murray
A real person.
A wider perspective.
I’m a loan officer and a certified residential appraiser based in Carlsbad, serving mortgage clients throughout California. My experience both as an appraiser and a mortgage loan officer helps me look at the property and the financing together.
I like to explain things in small, understandable steps. We’ll talk about what matters to you, compare the tradeoffs, and leave room for questions along the way.
Outside of work, I’m a husband, father of five, and guitar player. I appreciate a good conversation—and keeping things simple.
Let’s start a conversation ↗One step at a time
Here’s where we start.
01 — A CONVERSATION
Tell me what you have in mind.
A first home, a move, or a fresh look at your current loan. We’ll start with your plans and questions.
02 — A CLEAR COMPARISON
Understand your choices.
We’ll review the monthly payment, upfront costs, and tradeoffs so you can make an informed decision.
03 — A PRACTICAL NEXT STEP
Move forward with a plan.
If you’re ready, we’ll discuss the application and documents needed to evaluate your financing.
Mortgage Learning Center
Good questions.
Practical answers.
Understand the numbers and tradeoffs before making your next move.
Price reduction or rate buydown: which should you ask for?
A lower purchase price and a lower mortgage rate solve different problems. Compare the payment, upfront cash, and how long you expect to keep the loan.
Read the guide ↗What happens if the appraisal is below the purchase price?
A low appraisal can change your financing and cash requirements. Start by understanding the numbers and the options in your purchase contract.
Read the guide ↗How do you compare two mortgage quotes?
Look beyond the headline interest rate. Compare the same loan scenario, upfront costs, and the time you expect to keep the mortgage.
Read the guide ↗Answers before your next step
Frequently asked questions.
A few practical answers to help you get started. Have a question about your own situation? I’m happy to talk it through.
Do you help borrowers throughout California?
Yes. I’m based in Carlsbad and work with mortgage clients throughout California. We can start by phone or email and talk through your goals and next steps.
Do I need to know which loan I want?
No. Tell me what you’re planning, what monthly payment feels comfortable, and how much you want to put toward the purchase. We’ll compare the relevant options and their tradeoffs together.
Can we talk before I find a home?
Absolutely. An early conversation gives us a chance to discuss your budget, explain the financing process, and review what’s needed for a preapproval evaluation before you make an offer.
What information will I need to get started?
Start with your general goal, timeline, and a convenient way to reach you. As we move forward, I’ll explain which income, asset, and other documents are needed for your situation and how to provide them securely.
Can you help if I’m self-employed?
Yes—let’s talk about how you earn your income and what documentation you have available. We can review which financing options may fit your circumstances. Availability and approval depend on the lender’s requirements and a review of your complete file.
How much will I need for a down payment and closing costs?
That depends on the purchase, loan program, and your qualifications. We’ll look at the down payment and closing costs together, so you have a clearer picture of the cash you may need before choosing a loan.
Does the calculator show my total monthly payment?
No. It estimates principal and interest only. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, possible mortgage insurance, HOA dues, and other property expenses need to be considered separately. The calculator uses your own figures, not a current rate quote.
Can you help me compare refinancing with keeping my current loan?
Yes. We can compare your current mortgage with potential alternatives, including the payment, upfront costs, loan term, and your plans for the property. The goal is to understand whether a change makes sense for your situation.
Is a conversation the same as applying for a loan?
No. A first conversation is a chance to ask questions and discuss your goals. If you decide to apply, we’ll go over the application, required documents, and the next steps. A conversation or calculator estimate is not a loan approval.
What’s the best way to contact you?
Call 760-525-8255 or email eric.murray@westinmortgage.com. Please don’t email Social Security numbers, bank statements, tax returns, or other sensitive documents. We’ll discuss a secure way to provide any required paperwork.
Still have a question?
Ask Eric ↗Your next chapter starts here
Have a question?
Let’s talk.
No need to have it all figured out. Tell me what you’re thinking, and we’ll take it from there.
Talk with Eric about your options ↗760-525-8255eric.murray@westinmortgage.com
Eric Murray · Senior Loan Officer
Westin Mortgage · Based in Carlsbad, CA
Mortgage lending throughout California