Dave Davis

Gulf Shores Mortgage Broker

Helping you own your piece of the Gulf Coast.
Primary homes. Vacation homes. Investment properties.
Licensed in all of Alabama.

Why Work With a Broker?

A mortgage broker works for you, not a bank. I shop dozens of lenders to find the best rate and program for your situation.

Multiple Lenders, One Application

Instead of applying at bank after bank, I submit your file to the lenders most likely to approve you at the best terms. One application, multiple options.

Better Rates, Lower Costs

Lenders compete for your business through me. That competition means better rates and lower closing costs than walking into a single bank.

Gulf Coast Specialist

I live here. I know which lenders handle flood zones, condo HOAs, and coastal insurance requirements without delays or surprises at closing.

Loan Programs

Every buyer's situation is different. Here are the most common programs I work with.

Conventional

  • As low as 3% down (first-time buyers)
  • 5% down for primary or second homes
  • Best rates with 740+ credit score
  • PMI drops off at 20% equity

VA Loans

  • 0% down payment
  • No PMI ever
  • Best rates on the market
  • Available to veterans and active duty

FHA Loans

  • 3.5% down with 580+ credit
  • More flexible qualification
  • Great for first-time buyers
  • Gift funds allowed for down payment

Vacation & Second Homes

  • 10% down for second homes
  • Better rates than investment loans
  • Condos, townhomes, and houses
  • Rental income can help you qualify

Investment Properties

  • 15-25% down depending on units
  • Short-term rental friendly (Airbnb/VRBO)
  • DSCR loans available (qualify on rental income)
  • 1-4 unit properties

Refinance

  • Lower your rate or monthly payment
  • Cash-out for renovations or debt payoff
  • Streamline options for FHA/VA
  • No-cost refinance options available

What to Expect on Our Call

A 15-minute conversation that gives you clarity and a game plan. No pressure, no obligation.

1

Your Goals

Are you buying a primary home, vacation home, or investment property? First-time buyer or experienced? I'll understand what you're trying to accomplish.

2

Your Numbers

We'll talk ballpark on income, credit, and savings. This tells me which loan programs fit and what price range makes sense. No documents needed yet.

3

Your Options

I'll tell you exactly which programs you likely qualify for, what your estimated payment would be, and how much cash you'd need to close.

4

Your Next Step

If it makes sense to move forward, I'll send you a simple pre-qualification application. If not, you'll leave the call knowing exactly what to work on and when to come back.

Gulf Coast Expertise

Coastal Alabama has unique lending challenges. I handle them every day.

Flood Zone Financing

Most Gulf Coast properties sit in flood zones. I know which lenders handle FEMA requirements smoothly and how to factor flood insurance into your qualification.

Condo Approvals

Not every condo complex qualifies for every loan type. I know which Gulf Shores and Orange Beach condos are approved and which lenders offer exceptions.

Coastal Insurance

Wind, flood, and hazard insurance on the coast isn't cheap. I build real insurance costs into your numbers upfront so there are no surprises.

Short-Term Rental Properties

Buying a beach condo to rent on Airbnb or VRBO? I work with lenders who use projected rental income to help you qualify for more.

Common Questions

How much do I need for a down payment?

It depends on the loan program. VA loans require 0% down. FHA is 3.5%. Conventional starts at 3% for first-time buyers. Second homes typically need 10%. I'll tell you the exact number for your situation on our call.

What credit score do I need?

FHA loans go as low as 580. Conventional typically needs 620+. VA has no official minimum. The higher your score, the better your rate — but you don't need a 750 to buy a home.

How is a mortgage broker different from a bank?

A bank offers their own products at their own rates. I have access to dozens of lenders and can shop your file to find the best fit. Same process for you, more options behind the scenes.

Do you charge a fee?

In most cases, I'm paid by the lender — not by you. My compensation is built into the loan just like it would be at a bank. No extra cost for working with a broker.

How long does the mortgage process take?

Typically 21-30 days from application to closing. Pre-qualification takes about 24 hours. The more prepared you are with documents, the faster we close.

Can I buy a vacation home in Gulf Shores?

Absolutely. Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan are some of the best vacation home markets in the country. With 10% down and the right program, it's more affordable than most people think.

Ready to Talk?

15 minutes. No obligation. Just straight answers about your mortgage options.

Meet the Experts

We didn't just move here - we built our lives here. And now we help other families do the same.

Kelly Davis
Team Lead

Kelly Davis

Associate Broker & Team Lead

Kelly is the heart and engine of Big Beach AL Team. She pairs coastal market knowledge with creative marketing and helps buyers and sellers make confident moves on the Gulf Coast.

Dave Davis
The Numbers Guy

Dave Davis

Lending Specialist & Realtor

Dave brings the financing brain to the table, helping buyers understand payments, carrying costs, rental projections, and the real numbers behind a beach property before they write an offer.

Kerri Nicketta
Buyer's Agent

Kerri Nicketta

Expert Buyer Specialist & Lead Buyer's Agent

Kerri is the team's go-getter for showings, tours, and buyer follow-through. She keeps the process moving and helps clients compare properties with clear, on-the-ground context.