Your First Home Is Closer Than You Think
Low down payments, up to $13,000 in assistance through the HOPER program, and a broker who shops every lender to find your best fit.
More Paths Into Homeownership Than You've Been Told
Down payment requirements are lower than most people assume — and assistance programs like HOPER can close the gap entirely.
As Little as 3.5% Down
FHA loans allow 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score. The HOPER program may cover that entire amount for you.
Up to $13K in Assistance
The HOPER program provides up to $13,000 toward your down payment, closing costs, or reserves — with no income restrictions.
Flexible Credit Guidelines
FHA accepts scores as low as 580. If you're not there yet, I can map a route to get you qualified — usually within a few months.
Broker Shops Every Lender
I'm not locked into one bank's programs. I match your file to the lender that fits your profile best — better terms and better odds.
The HOPER Program: Up to $13,000 Toward Your First Home
HOPER (Home Ownership, Promotion, Education & Research) is an FHA-backed initiative that puts real money toward your purchase at closing.
Up to $13,000 at Closing
Up to $13,000 or 3.5% of the purchase price — applied to down payment, closing costs, or replenishing your savings.
FHA-Backed Structure
Built on an FHA loan — same flexible credit requirements and low down payment you already know from FHA.
Solar at $0 Out of Pocket
Solar panels are financed within your FHA loan. Monthly energy savings can meaningfully offset your payment.
30% Federal Tax Credit
Solar installation qualifies for a 30% federal tax credit, averaging around $12,000 — often offsetting the tax on your incentive.
No Income Restrictions
Unlike many assistance programs, HOPER has no income cap — open to a wide range of buyers.
Available in Arizona
Available in Arizona and most states. Not limited to first-time buyers — but especially powerful for them.
How It Works — 5 Steps
Get Pre-Approved for an FHA Loan
HOPER is structured around FHA. 580+ credit score required. I'll run your numbers and tell you in minutes if you qualify.
Complete the Online Homebuyer Education Course
A self-paced online course (~6–8 hours). The $149 course fee is the only required upfront cost.
Receive Your Incentive at Closing
Up to $13,000 paid at closing — apply it to your down payment, closing costs, or replenish your reserves.
Solar Assessment After Closing
A HOPER consultant designs a solar system for your home. Cost is rolled into your FHA loan — $0 out of pocket.
Claim Your 30% Federal Tax Credit
File for the Residential Clean Energy Credit when you do your taxes. Averages around $12,000. Your tax professional handles this.
Which Loan Is Right for You?
It depends on your credit, savings, and whether you've served. Here's the quick breakdown.
| Loan Type | Min. Down Payment | Min. Credit Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loan | 3.5% | 580 | Lower credit, limited savings, first-time buyers |
| FHA + HOPER | Potentially $0 out-of-pocket* | 580+ | First-time buyers needing down payment / closing cost help |
| Conventional 97 | 3% | 620+ | Solid credit; PMI cancels at 20% equity |
| VA Loan | 0% | No hard floor | Veterans and active duty — best deal available |
| USDA Loan | 0% | 640+ typically | Eligible rural/suburban areas, within income limits |
*HOPER provides up to $13,000 / 3.5% of purchase price, which may cover the full FHA down payment depending on home price.
FHA Loan
Government-backed flexibility
- 3.5% down at 580+ credit
- Gift funds accepted for down payment
- Higher DTI tolerance than conventional
- Pairs with HOPER assistance program
- Mortgage insurance required (upfront + monthly)
FHA + HOPER
$13K assistance added
- Up to $13,000 toward down payment or closing costs
- Solar rolled into loan at $0 out of pocket
- 30% federal solar tax credit
- No income restrictions
- $149 homebuyer education course required
Conventional 97
3% down, PMI cancels
- 3% minimum down payment
- 620+ credit score required
- PMI cancels automatically at 20% equity
- Fannie Mae HomeReady or Freddie Mac Home Possible
- Income limits may apply
What You Need to Qualify
The specifics depend on which program fits you best, but these are the core factors I look at with every first-time buyer.
Credit Score
FHA starts at 580 for 3.5% down (500 with 10% down). Conventional gets competitive around 620. If your score needs work, I can map a specific path to get you there — most buyers make meaningful progress in three to six months.
Income & Employment
Two years of steady employment is the baseline — same industry, consistent income. W-2 is cleanest. Self-employed is absolutely workable through bank statement programs.
Down Payment & Closing Costs
FHA requires 3.5% down — on a $350,000 home, that's $12,250. HOPER may cover it entirely. Closing costs typically run 2–4% of the loan amount, and those can be covered by HOPER funds or seller concessions.
Get Pre-Approved Before You Start Looking at Homes
Pre-approval takes 24–48 hours and costs you nothing. It tells you exactly what you can afford, strengthens your offer, and prevents the surprises that derail deals. Use the mortgage calculator to get a rough payment estimate first.
First-Time Buyer FAQs
Straight answers to the questions I hear most often.
FHA starts at 3.5% with a 580 credit score. On a $350,000 home, that's $12,250. The HOPER program provides up to $13,000 — potentially covering the entire FHA down payment requirement depending on your purchase price.
FHA minimum is 580 for 3.5% down. Conventional becomes competitive at 620+. If you're not there, I'll build a roadmap — it's not guesswork, there's a real strategy to moving your score.
Yes — solar is part of the program structure and not optional. The cost is rolled into your FHA loan at $0 out of pocket. Arizona's sun exposure makes this one of the better-performing states for solar savings. The 30% federal tax credit on installation further improves the economics. Call me and I'll tell you quickly whether HOPER is a fit for your situation.
Pre-approval: 24–48 hours once I have your documents. From signed contract to closing: typically 30–45 days. The biggest delay I see is buyers who shop before they're pre-approved — get that done first.
Yes. FHA and conventional both allow gift funds from eligible donors — family, employers, nonprofits — with a signed gift letter confirming no repayment is expected. I'll tell you exactly what documentation the lender needs.
Your bank can only offer you their 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. For first-time buyers especially, that flexibility matters. Learn more about the broker advantage here.
Let's Find Your Path to Ownership
Whether you're ready to make an offer or just starting to figure out what you can afford — the right first step is a real conversation about your numbers.