First-time Home Buyer

First Time Homebuyers

Are you a first-time home buyer? Don’t know where to begin with and which first time homeowners loan to choose? Then continue reading as we provide you with complete details about:

  • First-time Home Buyer Loan programs
  • Income and Qualification Requirements
  • Best First-Time Home Buyer tips

EZ Fundings First-time Home buyer Guide ICON

Get your copy of the First-time Home Buyer Guide for FREE.

Click here.

First-Time Home Buyer Programs in California

If you thought that living in the Golden State means saving tens of thousands of dollars for a down payment or perfect credit to become a homeowner, then you might want to think again. The good news is that the residents of California have numerous loan programs to achieve their dream of buying a home. Loan programs  include but are not limited to:

CalHFA Conventional Loan Program

Buying a home for the first time is easy with this loan program. It has a low down payment and a 30-year loan term. Requirements include:

  • A credit score of a minimum of 660
  • 43 percent or lower DTI (debt-to-income ratio)
  • First-time home buyer status
  • Completion of a home buyer education course
  • Down payment is as low as 3 percent of the home’s value.

CalPlus Conventional Loan Program

CalPlus conventional loans include the same features as the CalHFA program; however it has more additional benefits, which helps first-time home buyers to finance closing costs with a zero-interest loan.

However, this loan is offered in conjunction with the CalHFA ZIP (Zero Interest Program). Therefore, you can pay for the closing cost using ZIP as the borrower. This further enables you to get a loan equal to 2 percent or three percent of the mortgage amount.

The interest rate is zero percent, while payments through the life of the loan program are deferred. Requirements include:

  • A score of a minimum of 660
  • 43 percent or a lower debt to income ratio
  • First-time home buyer status
  • Home buyer educational course completion

FHA Loans

This is yet another way to finance your homeownership dream. Down payment is only 3.5 percent, and the credit score requirement is a minimum of 580. Hence, through this government loan program, even buyers with less than perfect credit can afford a home. To learn more about FHA loans, please click here

Eligibility for a Loan- Who Qualifies and What Income is recognized?

No lender will qualify a potential home buyer if they have a high risk of default. Therefore, there is a criterion determining the eligibility for a loan in terms of who qualifies and what income is recognized by the lenders.

Mortgage lenders are likely to accept those borrowers who:

  • Are employed and receiving W2s that show at least 2 years work history (full or part-time)
  • Are self-employed (have filed Schedule C (receiving 1099) or own a corporation) but they must show 2 year taxes
  • Receive social security income, or pension
  • Receive child support and alimony. However, the borrower must prove that they will continue to receive it for the next three years.
  • Can show taxes on capital gains for over the last two consecutive tax years

First Time Home Buyer Tips

Here are some tips from our experts to make home-buying simple and avoid possible mistakes:

Get a Pre-Approval

First things first, get a mortgage pre-approval. It gives you peace of mind and helps increase your chances of securing your dream home. A pre-approval letter:

  • Shows how much you can borrow or what you can afford
  • Guides your budget
  • Helps tailor your search for homes within your price range
  • Shows the sellers that you are serious about the purchase

When you get a pre-approval letter, make sure it is fully underwritten to avoid potential issues later. This letter assures the seller that your information is verified which further increases your chances of securing the purchase.

Start Saving Money Early for Closing Costs and Moving-In Expenses

Make sure to start saving early. You can do this by slashing unnecessary or impulsive expenditures and creating a budget to help reach your target. This is much needed because studies show that it takes nearly 6.5 years for an average first-time home buyer in America to save for a 20 percent down payment. So, we say start your savings in advance. Cut back on expenses and put those funds in a brokerage or high-yield savings account.

Strengthen Credit

A good credit score can provide more financing choices and lower interest rates or premiums. So, if you want that, focus on strengthening your credit from today. Lenders want to see stable credit. Therefore, avoid racking up credit card debt or opening new accounts. Review your credit reports for inaccuracies, errors, or wrong information. Get them fixed to restore your credit and ensure you have the ideal score to qualify for the loan program.

Avoid Additional Liabilities

If you are vested in buying your first home, avoid incurring additional liabilities like purchasing a car or taking out a personal loan. Stay focused. Don’t be tempted. All of this can wait till you become a first-time home buyer.

Choose an Experienced Lender

Work with a team that has the experience and expertise in working with first-time home buyers and can provide you with quality guidance and step-by-step assistance in achieving your goal.

Get a Real Estate Agent

Though it is possible to buy a home solo, it is not recommended when it is your first time. Work with a seasoned local real estate agent who can help vet neighborhoods, schedule home tours, negotiate, draw up contracts, etc.

So, if you wish to enjoy a hassle-free home buying process, contact us. We can provide you quality assistance from start to finish. In addition to many first-time home buyer loan programs there are also numerous down payment assistance programs. We can help you navigate through them too. These can significantly minimize the up-front cost of purchasing a home.

Expert Tips for First-Time Homebuyers: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Buying your first home is an exciting and significant milestone in your life. It’s a step towards independence, financial stability, and the realization of your dreams. However, navigating the complex world of real estate can be a daunting task. Hence, home buying is filled with potential pitfalls that may lead to costly mistakes. To help […]

Expert Tips for First-Time Homebuyers: Avoiding Common Pitfalls Read More »

Homebuyer’s Guide to Closing Costs

Closing costs are a critical yet often underestimated component of the home buying process. These expenses can catch many first-time homebuyers off guard which potentially derails their budgeting plans. Thus, it’s essential to understand the homebuyer’s guide to closing costs. You can learn some tips for negotiating and reducing these expenses. Moreover, this ensures a

Homebuyer’s Guide to Closing Costs Read More »

Renting vs. Buying: Financial Considerations for Homeownership | EZ Fundings

The decision to rent or buy a home is one of life’s most significant financial choices, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this article we will talk about comparing renting versus buying costs of a home. Specifically, we will break down the detailed costs for renters and buyers while also highlighting

Renting vs. Buying: Financial Considerations for Homeownership | EZ Fundings Read More »

First Time Home Buyer Guide | Budget, Pre-approvals & Prioritizations

Purchasing your first home is a significant milestone that requires careful consideration and planning. To help you navigate this complex process with confidence, here are the most important  first-time home buyer guide: Establish a Realistic Budget One of the most important first-time home buyer tips is to Establish a Realistic Budget. Setting a clear budget

First Time Home Buyer Guide | Budget, Pre-approvals & Prioritizations Read More »

Homeownership over Home Renting | Financial Advices & More | EZ Fundings

The age-old debate of renting versus buying a home has long captured the attention of prospective homeowners. Both options offering distinct advantages. The decision ultimately hinges on personal circumstances, financial goals, and lifestyle preferences. In this article, we delve into the key aspects of this debate. We will be highlighting the often overlooked nuances that

Homeownership over Home Renting | Financial Advices & More | EZ Fundings Read More »

Homeownership and Timing | Now is a good Time to Buy a House | EZ Fundings

In recent times, the real estate market has seen its fair share of fluctuations and uncertainties. Despite this, potential homebuyers are still presented with an advantageous opportunity to take the plunge and make that dream home a reality. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade to a larger space, several factors make the

Homeownership and Timing | Now is a good Time to Buy a House | EZ Fundings Read More »

Benefits of a Pre-approval for Home Loans | Tips & More

The benefits of a pre-approval for home loans are immense, especially if you’re planning on purchasing a home soon. With today’s housing market being so challenging, it’s essential to have a solid grasp on your homebuying budget. The key to staying ahead of the competition is to get pre-approved. A pre-approval for home loan is

Benefits of a Pre-approval for Home Loans | Tips & More Read More »