First-Time Homebuyer Programs · All 50 States

First-Time Homebuyer?
Your First Home Starts Here.

Lower down payments, flexible credit paths, and a broker who shops dozens of lenders to find your best fit.

Call (480) 400-5626 Get My Game Plan
24
Years Originating
2,400+
Families Helped
50
States Licensed
$0
Cost to Find Out

What a single bank won't tell first-time buyers

In 24 years of originating mortgages, I've watched first-time buyers assume they need a huge down payment or perfect credit, then give up before they even apply.

A bank can only offer its own programs. As an independent broker, I shop dozens of lenders and match your file to the loan that actually fits your credit, your savings, and your timeline.

If a low down payment program or assistance can close your gap, I'll show you. If it can't, I'll tell you that too, at no cost either way.

3.5% down

FHA loan

Available with a 580 or higher credit score. Gift funds from family or other eligible donors can cover it.

3% down

Conventional 97

For buyers with stronger credit, generally 620 and up. PMI cancels automatically once you reach 20% equity.

0% down

VA loan

For eligible veterans and active duty service members. No down payment required.

Down payment help

Assistance programs

Certain programs can put real money toward your down payment or closing costs, depending on eligibility. See low down payment options.

Which loan fits your situation

There's no single right program. The best fit depends on your credit, savings, and goals, and we'll compare them together.

FHA loan

3.5% down with a 580 or higher credit score. Gift funds are accepted, and it's the most common path for buyers with limited savings or credit history.

Learn more about FHA loans →

Conventional 97

3% down for buyers with stronger credit, generally 620 and up. PMI cancels automatically once you reach 20% equity.

Learn more about conventional loans →

VA loan

0% down for eligible veterans and active duty service members, with no hard credit score floor.

Learn more about VA loans →

USDA loan

0% down in eligible rural and suburban areas, typically with a 640 or higher credit score and within local income limits.

How it works, start to close

A clear process, not a black box. Here's what happens after you reach out.

1

Get pre-approved

Pre-approval takes 24 to 48 hours and costs nothing. It tells you exactly what you can afford before you start looking. Want a rough number first? Try the mortgage calculator.

2

We shop your file

I compare your credit, income, and down payment against FHA, conventional, VA, USDA, and assistance programs, then match you to the lender and loan that fits.

3

Make your offer

Your pre-approval letter goes with every offer, so sellers know you're a serious, qualified buyer.

4

Close on your home

Once you're under contract, closing typically takes 30 to 45 days. I stay on the file the whole way, so nothing catches you off guard.

Ken Starks, independent mortgage broker

Talk to Ken Starks, not a call center

You work directly with me from the first call to closing. I'm an independent broker, so I shop dozens of lenders instead of quoting one bank's programs. If a specific loan or a down payment assistance program isn't the right fit for you, I'll say so, and the conversation costs nothing.

Independent broker
NMLS #173595
24 years
Originating mortgages
All 50 states
Licensed nationwide
Call (480) 400-5626

Straight answers for first-time buyers

These are the questions I hear most often, and they deserve honest answers.

How much down payment do I actually need?+
FHA loans start at 3.5% down with a 580 or higher credit score. Conventional loans start around 3% down for stronger credit. VA loans allow 0% down for eligible veterans and active duty service members. Down payment assistance may cover some or all of it, depending on your situation.
What credit score do I need?+
FHA's minimum is 580 for 3.5% down. Conventional gets competitive around 620 and up. If you're not there yet, I can map a specific path forward. Most buyers make meaningful progress in three to six months.
How long does the process take?+
Pre-approval takes 24 to 48 hours once I have your documents. From signed contract to closing typically runs 30 to 45 days. The biggest delay I see is buyers who start shopping before they're pre-approved, so let's get that done first.
Can I use gift money for my down payment?+
Yes. FHA and conventional loans both allow gift funds from eligible donors, family, employers, or nonprofits, with a signed gift letter confirming no repayment is expected.
Why use a broker instead of going straight to my bank?+
A bank can only offer its own programs. As a broker, I shop dozens of lenders and match your file to the one that fits your credit profile, loan type, and down payment situation. Learn more about first-time buyer programs.

Get your free first-time buyer game plan

Real programs for your credit and budget, not a generic quote. No cost, no obligation, and a straight answer either way.

  • ✓The programs you actually qualify for: FHA, conventional, VA, or USDA
  • ✓Real payment numbers for your price range and credit
  • ✓Down payment assistance eligibility, if it applies to you
  • ✓Clear next steps, mapped out simply

Prefer to talk it through first? Call (480) 400-5626

Request your game plan

Takes about 30 seconds. Ken will call you within one business day.

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Start Your Application online →

The Starks Team · Ken Starks, Independent Mortgage Broker · NMLS #173595 · Equal Housing Lender · NMLS Consumer Access

Program availability, rates, terms, and qualification requirements vary by loan type and lender and are subject to change without notice. Down payment assistance programs are subject to eligibility requirements and may not be available in every state. FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loan programs each carry their own credit, income, and property requirements.

This is not a commitment to lend. Rates and terms are subject to change and depend on individual qualification. Equal Housing Lender.