From understanding what you can afford to picking up the keys, we walk first-time buyers through every step. Low down payment programs, down payment assistance, and clear, jargon-free guidance.
First-time buyers face a flood of new terms, paperwork, and big decisions. We slow it down, explain everything in plain English, and match you to the loan program that fits your budget and credit.
There's no stupid question and no pressure. We're here to help you become a homeowner, confidently, not to push you into a loan that doesn't make sense.
Under most program rules, you qualify as a first-time homebuyer if you have not owned a primary residence in the previous three years. That definition matters because it unlocks down payment assistance, reduced mortgage insurance, lower minimum down payment thresholds, and in California, dedicated state and county programs designed to help new buyers compete in one of the toughest markets in the country.
California-specific resources include CalHFA programs, MyHome Assistance, the Forgivable Equity Builder Loan in eligible counties, and various city-level down payment grants in places like Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area. Many of these can be stacked with an FHA, VA, or conventional first mortgage. The trade-off is paperwork: assistance programs add underwriting layers and timelines, so it's important to start the conversation early rather than discovering options two weeks before close.
The biggest mistake we see first-time buyers make isn't financial, it's emotional. People wait until they think they have enough saved, then discover they qualified months or even a year earlier under a program they didn't know about. A 20-minute conversation up front can save you from renting through another rate cycle. Our job is to lay out every door that's actually open to you, then let you choose.
You don't have to be buying your literal first home to qualify for first-time buyer programs. Many programs define it as anyone who hasn't owned in the past 3 years.
Most assistance programs cap household income at a percentage of the area median income (AMI). Often around 80–120% of AMI.
FHA accepts scores as low as 580 (sometimes 500 with 10% down). Conventional first-time programs typically want 620+.
The home must be your primary residence, investment and vacation homes don't qualify for first-time buyer programs.
From 0% (VA/USDA) to 3% (Conventional) to 3.5% (FHA). Assistance can cover all or part.
Many programs require completing a HUD-approved home buyer course (free, takes a few hours online).
Most programs require DTI under 43–50%. We help you calculate yours before applying.
It varies. With a 3.5% FHA loan on a $500,000 home, you'd need about $17,500 down plus 2–4% in closing costs. Down payment assistance can reduce this significantly.
580+ for FHA, 620+ for Conventional. Lower scores may still qualify with larger down payments or specialty programs.
Grants or second loans (some forgivable) that help cover your down payment and closing costs. California has several programs, we'll find which ones fit your situation.
Pre-approval is same-day. From offer accepted to closing is typically 21–30 days.
Pre-qualified is a quick estimate. Pre-approved means we've verified your income, assets, and credit, sellers take pre-approved offers more seriously.
Some assistance programs require it. It's actually genuinely useful, usually free and takes a few hours online.
Start with a free pre-approval, no obligation, no impact on your credit.