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Buy with 0% down (VA/USDA) or a low down payment (FHA) — even with a 580 credit score. Grants and assistance programs can cover the rest. Let us show you what you actually qualify for.
If you haven't owned a home in the last 3 years, you qualify as a first-time buyer. Same goes if you're a single parent who only owned jointly with an ex-spouse, or if you've only owned a mobile home not on a permanent foundation. All of these programs are yours to use.
The most popular first-time buyer loan in the country. Lower credit requirements, smaller down payment, and your down payment can come from a gift or grant.
See If You QualifyActive-duty, veterans, and surviving spouses can buy with zero down payment and no PMI. One of the strongest loan programs that exists.
See If You QualifyNot just farmland — many suburbs and small towns qualify. No down payment required, and income limits are higher than most people expect.
See If You QualifyNo income limits, no location restrictions. Start with a low down payment, and your private mortgage insurance cancels automatically as you build equity — unlike FHA.
See If You QualifyThere are over 2,000 down payment assistance programs across the U.S. that award grants and forgivable loans to first-time buyers. Most people never apply because they don't know these programs exist. We'll match you with every program you're eligible for.
State and local agencies offer down payment assistance programs — award amounts vary by program and location, toward your down payment or closing costs. No repayment, no interest, no catch.
These second mortgages carry 0% interest and are forgiven completely after you live in the home for a set period — usually 5 to 10 years.
Companies like Amazon, Bank of America, and many mid-size firms offer $2,500 to $10,000 in homebuyer assistance. Check with your HR department this week.
"What's escrow?" "Is my credit good enough?" "How much do I actually need saved?" We answer every question in plain language, with zero judgment. That's what we're here for.
You'll have a single dedicated loan officer from your first phone call through closing day. No being transferred. No re-explaining your situation. One person who knows your file inside and out.
Get pre-approved first so you know exactly what you can afford. Walk into open houses with a pre-approval letter in hand — sellers and agents take you seriously from day one.
The homebuying process takes 30-60 days from pre-approval to closing. Here's every step, with the details most guides leave out.
Get your free report at annualcreditreport.com. Look for errors dragging your score down -- disputed items can boost your score 20-50 points. You need a 580 for FHA or 620 for conventional.
💡 Found an error? Dispute it online -- fixes often take 30 daysYour monthly mortgage payment (including taxes, insurance, and HOA) should stay under 28% of your gross income. Use our calculator to see your price range before you start looking.
💡 Earning $5,000/month? Aim for a payment under $1,400Pre-approval means a lender has verified your income, credit, and assets. It carries real weight. Sellers pick pre-approved buyers over pre-qualified ones because the financing is more certain.
💡 We can get you pre-approved in 24-48 hoursA good buyer's agent will explain every step, negotiate on your behalf, and flag problems before they cost you money. Ask them how many first-time buyers they've helped this year.
💡 Need a referral? We work with agents in your areaWrite down your must-haves (bedrooms, commute, school district) vs. nice-to-haves (updated kitchen, big yard). When you fall in love with a house, check it against your list and your budget.
💡 Visit your top picks at night and on weekends tooYour agent will pull recent sales data to help you offer the right price. Your pre-approval letter goes with the offer to show the seller you can actually close.
💡 In competitive markets, respond within hours -- not daysA home inspector checks the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, and more (usually $300-$500). The lender orders a separate appraisal to confirm the home is worth the purchase price.
💡 Go to the inspection in person and ask questionsYou'll review and sign your final loan documents, pay any remaining closing costs, and officially become a homeowner. The whole signing takes about an hour.
💡 Bring your photo ID and a cashier's check for closing costsGet pre-approved in as little as 24 hours — no cost, no obligation. You'll know exactly what you can afford, which loan programs fit, and what assistance you qualify for. Then go house hunting with confidence.
Straight answers with real numbers -- no jargon, no runaround.
Less than most people think. FHA loans require a minimum 3.5% down payment, and Conventional 97 loans a minimum of 3%. VA and USDA loans require $0 down for eligible borrowers. On top of that, over 2,000 down payment assistance programs offer grants and forgivable loans that can cover part or all of your down payment and closing costs.
Probably. FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, or as low as 500 if you can put 10% down. Conventional loans typically start at 620. VA loans have no official government minimum, though most lenders look for 620+. If your score is below these thresholds, we can walk you through specific steps to raise it -- sometimes in as little as 30-60 days.
Start with this: your total monthly housing payment (mortgage, taxes, insurance, and any HOA) should stay at or below 28% of your gross monthly income. If you earn $5,000 per month before taxes, that means a payment around $1,400. But your full picture matters -- student loans, car payments, and credit card minimums all factor into what a lender will approve. Our affordability calculator gives you a personalized estimate in about 60 seconds.
Still have questions? We answer them all -- live, in person.
Get Pre-Approved -- It's Free