Myth 01
Myth: I need 20% down.
The truth
FHA: 3.5%. Conventional: 3%. VA + USDA: 0%. Plus 57+ DPA programs across our footprint. The 20% rule is a 1990s leftover.
First-Time Buyer · start here
You're closer
than you think.
Most first-time buyers aren't held back by money. They're held back by myths. Four of them, mostly. Once you understand what's actually true, the path opens up.
· The four myths
What you've been told.
What's actually true.
Myth 02
Myth: Perfect credit required.
The truth
FHA opens at 580 with 3.5% down. 500 with 10%. Conventional at 620. The right LO finds the lane that fits your file today, then plans the lift.
Myth 03
Myth: I have to wait for rates to drop.
The truth
Marry the house, date the rate. Buy when the math works on TODAY's rate. Refinance later if rates drop. Waiting on rates is gambling with rent.
Myth 04
Myth: First-time buyer = first-time HOMEBUYER.
The truth
Most programs define 'first-time' as 'haven't owned in 3 years.' Divorce, bankruptcy, sold and rented — many people qualify and don't realize it.
· Next steps
Three doors.
Pick the one that fits.
Take the readiness assessment
Five minutes. Three Pillars score. No SSN, no credit pull. The starting line.
Open →
Walk the Cobblestone Road
Eight steps from budget to keys. Self-paced. The full guided path.
Open →
Open your local DPA stack
Pick your metro. See exactly which programs apply to your zip.
Open →
First time isn't hard.
Just unfamiliar.
Five minutes with the assessment. Walk out knowing exactly what phase you're in.