Your first home, step by step
We walk you through it in plain English and shop your loan with 130+ lenders, so you can make an offer with confidence.
How we help first-time buyers
Your first purchase comes with a lot of new words and a lot of choices. We explain each one and show you the loans that fit, side by side.
Low down payment options include FHA with as little as 3.5% down, VA with as little as 0% down for veterans, and USDA with as little as 0% down in eligible areas.
Who it fits
- Renters ready to buy their first home
- Buyers who want to know their budget before house hunting
- Veterans and service members using their VA benefit
- Buyers using gift funds from family toward the down payment
How it works with us
- Tell us your goalsPrice range, area and how much you have saved. The Loan Coach is a quick way to start.
- One soft pullWe check your credit once, without affecting your score, and shop the file with 130+ lenders.
- Get pre-approvedYou get a pre-approval letter to make offers with, and a clear picture of your monthly payment.
- CloseWe keep the appraisal, lender and title moving, and get you the keys.
What to have on hand
You don't need all of it to start. The application tells you what's missing.
- Photo ID
- Pay stubs covering the last 30 days
- W-2s for the last two years
- Bank statements for the last two months
- Gift letter, if family is helping with the down payment
Good to know
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the loan. FHA can be as little as 3.5% down, and VA and USDA can be as little as 0% down for those who qualify.
Will checking my options hurt my credit?
No. We start with one soft credit pull, which doesn't affect your score.
Can family help with my down payment?
Yes. Many loan programs accept gift funds from family. We show you how to document them.
Should I get pre-approved before I look at homes?
Yes. A pre-approval tells you your budget and shows sellers you're ready to buy.