First-time buyer hub
Buying Your First Home: The 10-Step Path
Nobody teaches you this in school. So here it is — the whole journey, in order, in plain English. Work it top to bottom and you'll know more than most buyers on their third purchase.
- 1
Learn the math
How much can you afford? What will your payment really be?
- 2
Check your readiness
Take the 2-minute quiz — get your score and #1 blocker.
- 3
Build your credit plan
90 days of the right moves beats 2 years of guessing.
- 4
Understand down payments
You probably need less than you think.
- 5
Learn closing costs
The 2–5% nobody warns you about.
- 6
Compare loan programs
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA — what's actually different.
- 7
Gather documents
Interactive checklist, personalized by borrower type.
- 8
Get pre-approved
Usually within 24 hours once I have your documents.
- 9
House hunt with confidence
Shop knowing exactly what you can spend.
- 10
Close and beyond
I manage the process — then watch your loan for life.
The three myths that stop first-time buyers
- “I need 20% down.” Low-down-payment options exist. Don't let this myth add years to your timeline.
- “My credit has to be perfect.” It has to be explainable, not perfect. I've seen worse get approved.
- “Renting is throwing money away.” Sometimes renting is the right call. Run the numbers before you decide.
Note: This estimator provides a rough affordability picture only. It is NOT a pre-approval, pre-qualification decision, or commitment to lend. Only a licensed loan officer reviewing your full application can determine what you qualify for.