First-Time Buyers
Your first home shouldn't be your biggest mistake.
Buying your first home is the largest financial move most people ever make, and almost everyone goes in blind. The right broker turns a confusing, high-stakes process into a clear set of steps with a number you can trust at the end of it.
How the mortgage process works
- 1
Get prequalified
We look at your income, credit, and savings and come back with a real number, not a guess. This is the price range you shop in.
- 2
Find the home
You shop with confidence because you already know what you can afford and what your payment looks like.
- 3
Make the offer
A prequalification letter makes your offer real to sellers. We can turn one around fast.
- 4
Lock and underwrite
We lock your rate, the lender verifies your documents, and the appraisal confirms the home is worth the price.
- 5
Close
You sign, the money moves, and you get the keys. I shop 160+ lenders so the number you close on is the best one available.
What to expect on costs
Nobody explains this part well, so here it is straight.
Down payment
Less than you think. Conventional loans go as low as 3% down, FHA at 3.5%. You do not need 20%.
Closing costs
Roughly 2% to 5% of the price for lender fees, title, and prepaids. Often partly covered by the seller or rolled in.
PMI
If you put down less than 20% on a conventional loan, you pay mortgage insurance until you hit 20% equity. Then it drops off.
Reserves
Some loans want a couple of months of payments in the bank after closing. We plan for it up front so nothing surprises you.
Programs available to you
FHA
3.5% down with flexible credit. Built for first-time and credit-rebuilding buyers.
Conventional 3% down
Low down payment with the option to drop mortgage insurance once you reach 20% equity.
Down payment assistance
Depending on your state and income, grants and second-lien programs can cover part of your down payment.
VA
If you served, zero down and no monthly mortgage insurance. Almost always the best option.
Common mistakes first-time buyers make
- ✕Shopping for a home before getting prequalified, then falling in love with something out of reach.
- ✕Taking the first rate their bank quotes instead of letting lenders compete for the loan.
- ✕Draining every dollar into the down payment and leaving nothing for closing costs or reserves.
- ✕Opening new credit or financing a car mid-process and blowing up the approval.
- ✕Skipping the inspection to win a bidding war, then inheriting expensive surprises.
FAQ
Let's run your numbers.
Get prequalified and find out what you can actually afford. No commitment.