First Time Homebuyers

T.J. Rasmussen, Senior Loan Officer — FHA, VA, conventional, jumbo, USDA, and DSCR home loans with clear guidance and fast pre-approvals.

First Time Homebuyers

Your Dream Home Starts Here

Programs Built for First-Time Buyers

Conventional vs. FHA: Which is Right for You?

Conventional Loans: Lower Costs for Qualified Buyers

Minimum Down Payment
Cancellable Mortgage Insurance
Better Rates with Good Credit
Typical Requirements

FHA Loans: Flexibility When You Need It

Credit-Friendly
100% Gift Funds Allowed
Faster Recovery After Hardship
Typical Requirements

Stop Renting. Start Building Wealth.

The Power of Equity

Common Questions

Ready to Get Started?

Loan Programs

Buying your first home should be exciting, not overwhelming. With down payments as low as 3% and personalized guidance from , homeownership is closer than you think.

NMLS #

Licensed Professional

500+ First-Time Buyers Helped

Loan Options

Choose the loan that fits your situation. We will guide you through every option to find your perfect match.

Best for:

Compare the two most popular first-time buyer programs side by side.

Conventional loans are no longer just for 20% down payments. With first-time buyer programs like HomeReady and Home Possible, you can put down just 3% and still enjoy competitive rates and flexible terms. Best of all, your mortgage insurance cancels automatically once you build 20% equity.

As low as 3% for first-time buyers. On a $300,000 home, that is just $9,000 down.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) drops off automatically at 20% equity. FHA MIP often stays for life.

With a 720+ credit score, you will qualify for the best available rates and lowest PMI costs.

FHA loans are designed to make homeownership accessible to more Americans. With lower credit requirements, higher debt-to-income allowances, and the ability to use 100% gift funds for your down payment, FHA removes barriers that might otherwise keep you renting.

Qualify with credit scores as low as 580. Even 500-579 may work with 10% down.

Your entire 3.5% down payment can come from family gifts. No minimum borrower contribution required.

Only 2 years after Chapter 7 bankruptcy or 3 years after foreclosure vs. 4-7 years for conventional.

Why Buy?

Every mortgage payment builds equity. Every rent payment builds your landlord's wealth. The decision to buy your first home is one of the most powerful financial moves you can make.

*Assumes 3% annual appreciation on $300,000 home. Actual results vary by market.

Everything you need to know about buying your first home.

Join hundreds of first-time buyers who have trusted to guide them home. Pre-approval is free and takes just minutes.

Helping first-time buyers achieve the dream of homeownership with personalized mortgage solutions.

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First Time Homebuyers | T.J. Rasmussen | Smart Home Lending, LLC