Happy first-time homebuyer couple in front of their new home

First-Time Homebuyer

Buying Your FirstHome Starts Here

Programs with as little as 0% down · Free pre-qualification · Guidance through closing.From your first questions to getting the keys — all in one place.

Get Qualified

What you'll get

A clear roadmap for your first home purchase

  • Step-by-step guidance from your first questions through closing.
  • Free calculators and education — including paths with as little as 0% down.
  • Fast pre-qualification to clarify your budget — no hard credit pull to start.

No obligation · No hard credit pull to start · Secure & free

Where Do I Begin?

Most first-time buyers feel overwhelmed. Here's a simple 7-step roadmap from budget to keys.

  1. Discover What You Can Afford

    Get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage to know your realistic budget.

    Get Qualified

  2. Find a Real Estate Agent

    Choose a buyer's agent to guide and represent you.

  3. Browse Homes Within Your Budget

    Search listings and view homes that fit your needs and price range.

  4. Make an Offer

    Submit an offer with your pre-approval letter to strengthen your position.

  5. Sign the Purchase Contract

    Negotiate and sign the official sales contract (this locks in the deal with contingencies).

  6. Complete Mortgage Application & Underwriting

    Submit your full application, documents, and await final loan approval.

  7. Close & Move In

    Finalize paperwork, pay closing costs, get the keys, and move into your new home!

Myths we hear — and the truth

  • You don't need 20% down

    Qualifying Chenoa, VA, and USDA paths may allow as little as 0% down; HomeReady and FHA offer low-down options too.

  • Bad credit isn't a deal-breaker

    Options exist for various credit situations.

  • You can start without perfect finances

    We'll help you build a plan step by step.

  • First-time programs are made for you

    Down-payment assistance and low-down options may be available when you qualify.

Once you know the big picture, the #1 question everyone asks next is…

How Can I Find Out How Much I Can Afford?

Get a realistic picture of your budget — including down payment options, monthly payments, and low-down programs for first-timers.

Ways to buy with little — or no — money down

Eligibility varies. Closing costs and prepaid items may still be required even when down payment is as little as 0%.

  • 0% down path

    Chenoa Fund + FHA

    A qualifying FHA loan paired with Chenoa down-payment assistance (typically a second lien) may cover your down payment — a path toward 100% financing. Forgivable or repayable terms depend on the product layer.

    Closing costs may still apply.

    Get Qualified

  • Military & veterans

    VA loan

    For eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying spouses. As little as 0% down with entitlement; no monthly PMI. A VA funding fee may apply and can sometimes be financed.

    Closing costs may still apply.

    Get Qualified

  • Rural & eligible areas

    USDA loan

    For eligible properties in qualifying rural or suburban areas and income limits. As little as 0% down when you and the property qualify.

    Closing costs may still apply.

    Get Qualified

  • As low as ~3% down

    Fannie Mae HomeReady

    A conventional option built for income-flexible and first-time buyers. May allow as little as about 3% down when you qualify — a strong alternative to government 0% paths.

    Closing costs may still apply.

    Get Qualified

  • As low as 3.5% down

    FHA loan

    Flexible credit guidelines, gift funds allowed for down payment, and a familiar path for many first-time buyers — as low as 3.5% down when you qualify.

    Closing costs may still apply.

    Get Qualified

Key facts for first-time buyers

First-time buyer FAQ

Straight answers to the questions we hear most.

  • Do I need 20% down?

    No. Qualifying Chenoa + FHA, VA, and USDA paths may allow as little as 0% down. HomeReady and standard FHA offer low-down options (about 3% and 3.5%). Closing costs may still be required.

  • What's the difference between Chenoa, VA, and USDA?

    All three can be 0% down paths when you qualify — but they work differently. Chenoa pairs FHA with down-payment assistance (often a second lien). VA is for eligible service members, veterans, and spouses (entitlement / COE). USDA requires an eligible property area and income limits.

  • HomeReady vs FHA — which is better?

    It depends on your credit, income, down payment, and goals. HomeReady is conventional (as low as ~3% down for many who qualify). FHA often has more flexible credit guidelines at 3.5% down. We'll help you compare once you're pre-qualified.

  • What credit score do I need?

    It varies by program. Options exist across a range of credit situations — some paths are more flexible than others. Get qualified to see what fits your profile; we won't invent a guarantee from a website.

  • How long does pre-qualification take?

    Many buyers finish the online pre-qualification in minutes. A fuller pre-approval with documents takes longer — your loan team will guide the next steps.

  • Do I need a real estate agent first?

    Not required to get pre-qualified. Many buyers start with a budget and pre-qualification letter, then partner with an agent to shop. Either order works — we're happy to help either way.

Ready for a real number?

Get qualified in minutes and see which first-time programs may fit — Chenoa, VA, USDA, HomeReady, or FHA.