NMLS #2518287·CA DRE #02245766·Equal Housing Opportunity

NMLS #2518287

Loan Options · Purchase

First Time Home Buyer Programs built to get you in.

Popular loan programs for first time home buyers — FHA, conventional 97, VA, USDA, and state-level down payment assistance.

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First-time-buyer programs pair low-down-payment loans (3.5% with FHA, 3% conventional, or $0 down with VA and USDA) with state and local down-payment assistance. Most define a 'first-time buyer' as someone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years, so more people qualify than expect to. We layer the right loan with available assistance to get you in for less out of pocket.

Programs and people built for buying your first home.

First-time buyers face a specific set of decisions that repeat buyers don't: how much to save, what loan program fits, when to buy, what closing actually looks like. We've walked plenty of people through it — the steps are repeatable, and you don't have to know them in advance.

Start with a free pre-qualification. It costs nothing, gets you a real budget, and shows sellers you're serious when you make an offer.

Loan programs first-time buyers usually consider

30-year fixed

The default for most first-time buyers. Predictable payment, the lowest monthly cost of any common term, and zero surprise from rate changes.

FHA loan

3.5% down, flexible credit standards. Often the right choice when down-payment savings are tight or your credit history is still building.

VA loan

$0 down, no PMI, competitive rates — if you've served. Among the strongest mortgage benefits available.

USDA loan

$0 down for buyers in eligible (often suburban) zip codes who fall within program income limits.

Conventional with low down payment

3% down conventional financing is available for qualified first-time buyers. Mortgage insurance applies but can fall off once you reach 20% equity.

What first-time buyers ask us most

"How much house can I afford?" — depends on your income, debts, credit, and down-payment savings. We can model it in 15 minutes.
"What credit score do I need?" — 580 for FHA, 620 for most conventional, 640+ for the best rates.
"How much do I need to save?" — down payment plus closing costs (typically 2–5% of purchase price). Lower with FHA, $0 with VA or USDA.
"What does closing actually look like?" — about 30–45 days from accepted offer to keys, six or seven document requests in between.

A pre-approval is the right first step — free, no obligation, and it gives you a real budget to shop with. Request a quote or talk to a loan officer and we'll walk you through it.

Get started today!

Tell us a little about your situation and we'll send personalized loan options within one business day.

Common questions

First Time Home Buyer FAQs

Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use these programs?

Most first-time-buyer programs define 'first-time buyer' as someone who has not owned a home in the last 3 years. Many state and local down-payment assistance programs use the same definition.

What is the smallest down payment I can make?

As little as 0% with a VA or USDA loan if eligible, 3% with conventional first-time-buyer programs, or 3.5% with FHA. Many state and local programs add down-payment-assistance grants on top.

How long does the process take?

From offer to close, most first-time purchases close in 21–30 days. Rate locks typically run 30–60 days, giving you a buffer.

Related loans

Ready when you are

Let’s run your numbers.

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