First-time home buyer

The programs, grants, and education that make a first purchase possible, in one place.

Photo: Adobe Stock (free collection) · Adobe Stock standard license · asset 505006284 · licensed 2026-09-06 under the Chris Does Photos account

Who it's for

Anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years. That includes many people who've owned before.

How it works

We start with a pre-approval so you know your price range before you shop.
We check every down payment assistance program you qualify for: Montana Housing, CHFA in Colorado, NC Home Advantage, and local programs.
Many programs require a short homebuyer education course; we'll tell you which one and how to take it online.

What you'll need

A conversation. Most first-time buyers are closer than they think.
Pay stubs, two years of W-2s, and two months of bank statements
A credit report we pull once, with your permission

Common questions

How much do I need saved?

It depends on the program and the price. Between assistance programs, seller-paid closing costs, and gift funds, many first-time buyers close with far less cash than they expected. We'll show you the real number.

Does a pre-approval hurt my credit?

One mortgage inquiry has a small, temporary effect. Multiple mortgage inquiries within a short window count as one.

By design this page shows no rates, APRs, payments, or down-payment percentages. Those figures are only published with the full disclosure block required by Regulation Z.

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