Buying your first home.

Talk to me before you save more

“Many people think that saving up for a larger down payment is more important than speaking to a loan officer first.”

Saving is never wrong, but it is often not the first job. You may already qualify with less than you think, or one small change, like paying down a single card, may do more for your approval than another year of saving.

How much down you really need

Twenty percent down is not a requirement. It is the point where conventional mortgage insurance goes away. Most first-time buyers put down far less.

Plan for closing costs on top of the down payment. Your quote shows the estimate for your price and area.

Getting help with the down payment

I work with CalHFA programs and with Fast 100 and Fast 100+. Depending on the program, they can help with the down payment, closing costs or both, usually with income and purchase price limits.

Program rules and funding change through the year, so the first step is simply asking me what is open right now and whether you fit.

When waiting is smarter

I start with what your monthly payment needs to be in the areas you want. If the numbers work, we look at options like FHA. If debt is what is holding you back, I will tell you to pay it down first, until you can buy without feeling stressed.

That is not a no. It is a plan, with the specific steps that get you to yes.

Your first steps

1. Talk to me before you shop, so you know your real budget and your options.
2. Get pre-approved, fully underwritten up front, so your offer carries weight.
3. Gather your documents in one shot from the checklist my team sends you.
4. Shop with real numbers. The calculators help you test prices and payments along the way.