

Best Physician Mortgage in Ohio: Why LMCU and Emrah Sero Stand Out
Why Ohio Physicians Turn to Emrah at LMCU
When it comes to financing a home, Ohio physicians face unique challenges—student loans, delayed earnings, and limited cash reserves during training. That’s where Emrah Sero at Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) comes in.
Emrah isn’t a rate-quoting salesperson. He’s a specialist who understands how physician income works and how to structure financing that fits both your timeline and your career. His goal isn’t just to get you approved—it’s to make sure your mortgage sets you up for long-term financial success.
The Problem with 80/20 “Workarounds”
Many doctors in Ohio—especially new attendings—are encouraged by realtors or traditional lenders to use 80/20 loans to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI).
On paper, it looks clever: 80% financed under one loan and the remaining 20% on a second mortgage. But the reality is more expensive and more complicated than most borrowers realize.
An 80/20 structure often means:
- Two monthly payments
- Two sets of paperwork and closings
- A higher blended interest rate (since the second loan carries a much steeper rate)
- Shorter repayment term on the second lien, leading to much larger payments
What seems like a creative “no-PMI” solution often costs more than a true physician mortgage designed for medical professionals.
How a Physician Mortgage Simplifies the Process
By contrast, the LMCU Physician Mortgage removes those complications:
- 0% down up to $1 million
- No PMI, even at zero down
- Deferred student loans excluded from your debt-to-income ratio
- Employment contracts accepted before your first paycheck
- Streamlined underwriting for physicians, fellows, and residents
In other words, one loan, one rate, and a structure that aligns with a doctor’s financial reality.
Real Cost Comparison: Piggyback vs. Physician Mortgage
To show how quickly an 80/20 structure can get expensive, here’s a breakdown using typical Ohio lending numbers:
Scenario | Details | Total Monthly Payment | Effective (Blended) Rate |
80/20 Piggyback Loan | $640K @ 6.5% (30 yrs) + $160K @ 8.5% (10 yrs) | ≈ $6,218/month | 6.9% |
Physician Mortgage (Single Loan) | $800K @ 6.5% (30 yrs) | ≈ $5,056/month | 6.5% |
The second mortgage’s short 10-year term and higher rate create a payment shock most buyers don’t anticipate.
What This Means for Ohio Doctors
Even though both loans finance the same $800,000, the 80/20 option produces a higher blended rate and nearly $1,200 more per month in payments.
That’s money better kept in your savings, practice start-up fund, or retirement plan.
The physician mortgage consolidates everything into one loan at 6.5%, eliminating double payments, redundant fees, and unnecessary risk. More importantly, it’s designed to recognize your future earning potential, not just your current income.
The Bottom Line
For physicians across Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, partnering with a specialist like Emrah Sero at LMCU means more than just getting approved—it means financing intelligently.
Emrah’s focus on physician-specific underwriting saves time, simplifies the process, and often results in lower long-term costs than conventional “creative” solutions.
If you’re a doctor buying a home in Ohio, connect with Emrah through DrHomeFinance.com to explore how the best physician mortgage in Ohio can help you buy with confidence, clarity, and zero PMI.