Home financing in Comanche County.

Home financing simply means borrowing money to purchase, build, or improve a home, then repaying that loan over time — usually 15 to 30 years — with interest. The lender holds a lien on the property as security until the loan is paid off.

In Comanche County, most home purchases are financed through one of four routes:

• **Conventional loans** — offered by banks and credit unions, typically requiring a credit score of 620 or higher and a down payment of 3–20%.

• **Government-backed loans** — FHA loans (lower down payment, flexible credit), VA loans (for veterans and active-duty military, which is especially relevant near Fort Sill), and USDA Rural Development loans (for properties outside Lawton's city limits that meet rural eligibility criteria).

• **ITIN loans** — available through select community lenders for buyers who don't have a Social Security number but do have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

• **Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) loans** — mission-driven lenders that serve borrowers who don't fit neatly into conventional boxes, including self-employed contractors and first-time buyers with limited credit history.

Federal programs set the framework, but local lenders and intermediaries determine how smoothly — and fairly — you actually get to closing.

Comanche County's economy is anchored by Fort Sill (one of the Army's largest installations), healthcare (Comanche County Memorial Hospital), agriculture, and a significant population of solo contractors, tradespeople, and small business owners — many of them Spanish-speaking. Qualifying criteria are shaped by this local mix.

**Veterans and active-duty service members** near Fort Sill are often the strongest candidates for VA loans, which require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. Surviving spouses may also qualify.

**Solo contractors and self-employed borrowers** need to show consistent income through tax returns (typically two years), bank statements, or profit-and-loss statements. Many local credit unions and CDFIs are accustomed to working with non-W2 income.

**First-time buyers** with thin or no traditional credit history can often qualify through programs that use alternative credit data — on-time rent payments, utility bills, or phone bills.

**ITIN holders** — including undocumented immigrants and certain visa holders — can access home loans through ITIN mortgage programs. A valid ITIN, consistent income, and a history of on-time payments are the key factors lenders look at.

**Small real-estate investors** purchasing 1–4 unit properties in the county may also qualify for conventional or CDFI financing, though investment properties typically require a larger down payment (15–25%).

If you've been told you don't qualify anywhere, it's worth asking a local CDFI or credit union before giving up — they often have more flexibility than large national banks.

Gathering your paperwork before you approach a lender saves time and reduces stress. The exact list will vary by lender and loan type, but here is what most Comanche County lenders will ask for:

**For identification and residency:**

- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID)

- Social Security number — OR — your ITIN if applying through an ITIN-friendly lender

- Proof of current address (utility bill, lease agreement)

**For income (W2 employees):**

- Last two years of W2 forms

- Last two years of federal tax returns

- Recent pay stubs (30 days)

**For income (self-employed / solo contractors):**

- Last two years of federal tax returns (both personal and business, if applicable)

- Year-to-date profit-and-loss statement

- 12–24 months of business and/or personal bank statements

- Any contracts or letters showing ongoing work

**For assets:**

- Two to three months of bank statements

- Statements for retirement accounts, investment accounts, or other assets

- Gift letter if part of your down payment is a gift from family

**For veterans (VA loans):**

- Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which your lender can often pull directly from the VA system

- DD-214 discharge papers (for veterans)

**For the property:**

- Signed purchase agreement

- Contact information for your real estate agent or seller

Having these documents organized — even in a simple folder — signals to lenders that you are a serious, prepared borrower.