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.

Clear the path to qualification

Trusted partners can help with loan readiness and student-loan payments so you can move toward a stronger mortgage picture.

Third-party partner services — not PRMG underwriting. They do not guarantee approval or score improvement.

CredEvolv
Turn “not yet” into loan-ready

CredEvolv matches you to a loan-readiness path—HUD-certified nonprofit credit counseling, nonprofit debt management, or a self-paced DIY option—then works the plan until you’re ready to re-approach a mortgage. Request a connection and your loan officer will make the introduction.

Three paths under one roof

Nonprofit credit counseling

One-on-one with a HUD-certified, NFCC-member counselor: full credit review, a personalized plan, and monthly check-ins—typically a few months to goal.

Nonprofit debt management

When high balances or DTI is the blocker, a nonprofit program negotiates with creditors and consolidates into one structured payment—not debt settlement or credit repair.

CredEvolvIQ (DIY)

A self-guided credit-building subscription with score monitoring and a personalized roadmap—if you prefer to move at your own pace.

  • Nonprofit counseling and debt help—not for-profit credit repair
  • You’re matched to the path that fits; progress can be shared back with your loan officer
  • Available in all 50 states; programs are typically paid by you, not the lender

Read more on CredEvolv’s solutions

LoanSense
Lower student loan payments, unlock more home

LoanSense builds a personalized student-loan plan—repayment options, forgiveness paperwork, and private-loan refinance shopping—so lower monthly payments can improve your debt-to-income ratio and how much home you may qualify for.

How LoanSense helps

Federal repayment & forgiveness

A personalized plan for income-driven repayment and forgiveness pathways, with expert help on the forms so you don’t go it alone.

Private loan refinance options

Shop refinance options for private loans through LoanSense’s lender partners—your advisor helps keep federal forgiveness eligibility in mind when it applies.

Faster paperwork for underwriting

Filing support and document tracking so your lower payment can be shared with your loan officer—often in about three weeks instead of months of DIY.

  • Free preliminary plan to estimate payment reduction and home-buying room
  • Covers federal and private student loans—with refinance guidance that protects forgiveness when it matters
  • Concierge options include advisor Q&A and e-filing help for mortgage qualification
Explore LoanSense

Opens in a new tab

Read more on LoanSense

Ready for a real number?

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

Get in touch.

Get in touch and let's discuss your first-time homebuyer journey. I'm here to help make your dream of homeownership a reality.

Optional - helps us reach you faster

By submitting this form, you consent to be contacted about mortgage services. Your information is secure and will never be shared.

Kyle Kiss

Mortgage Advisor

Kyle Kiss

I specialize in helping first-time homebuyers navigate the mortgage process with confidence. From understanding your options to securing pre-approval, I'll guide you every step of the way to homeownership.

Get QualifiedExplore Calculators