First-Time Home Buyer Guide

Got questions? No worries. Just give us a call!

At US Lending we are here to help you through every step of the process.  Our experienced loan officers work with you to assess your home-buying goals & discuss your home loan options. There are many programs tailored for first-time home buyers and we have the resources to get you started on this exciting journey.

In this First-Time Home Buyer Guide, we will cover:

  • The Equity Builder Program– monetary help from family and in some cases, others
  • First Time Buyer Resources – some free downloads with loads of helpful information.
  • First Mortgage Programs– We’ll highlight some of the several programs to serve first-time home buyers.

Let’s start with the Definition of a First-Time Home Buyer

If you have never owned a home, is the obvious definition of a first-time home buyer. That’s not the only way you can qualify for these benefits – in California at least.

According to the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), you can also qualify as a first-time home buyer if you have not owned and occupied your own home in the last 3 years.

Equity Builder Loan Program

We are pleased to offer the Equity Builder Loan program, which is a forgivable loan for first-time home buyers that leverages home equity.

A few highlights:

  • Must be used with a  CalHFA first mortgage.
  • Up to 1-% of the sale price.
  • Some income limitations and residency requirements apply.

For more details, and  availability information download the flyer

Download the PDF!

Equity Builder Loan Program free pdf download

Have Questions?

Resources for First Time Home Buyers

There is a wide array of resources available to you as a first-time home buyer – on the web, at APM (American Pacific Mortgage, our parent company), and here on our site.

For your convenience, we’ve included a few here to get you started.

Have Questions?

Download the PDF!

Home Purchase Loan Process Free Download pdf
The Loan Process

Download the PDF!

Freddie Mac DPA

LOW DOWN PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

First-time home buyers often need to look at home loan programs that require a smaller down payment. Some of these programs allow borrowers to purchase a home with as little as 3% down.

First Mortgages

(Mobile users: TAP to flip)

First Mortgage Programs

CalPLUS Conventional:  A conventional loan with a slightly higher fixed rate, but combined with the Zero Interest Program for closing costs.

FHA:  An FHA-insured loan with a fixed rate.

CalPLUS FHA:  An FHA-insured loan with a slightly higher fixed rate, but combined with the Zero Interest Program for closing costs.

Down Payment Assistance

(Mobile users: TAP to flip)

Down Payment Assistance

MyHome Assistance Program:  A deferred-payment down payment loan that can be up to 3.5% of the purchase price.

Extra Credit Teacher Home Purchase Program:  A deferred-payment down payment loan for teachers, administrators, & anyone else working for a California public school.

Payments on these programs can be deferred until the home is sold, refinanced, or the mortgage is paid in full.

Specialty Loan Programs

(Mobile users: TAP to flip)

Specialty Loan Programs

Keys on Time: Get pre-approved & shop for a home with confidence knowing you have preliminary approved financing. It will help you to beat out other bidders, as a seller knows you have already been pre-approved for financing & can close promptly.

Lock and Buy: Lock in your interest rate before you have a purchase contract to be protected against rising interest rates. (Certain fees may apply.)

To learn more about these options contact us!

You’ve got this!

And we’ve got you.

As a first-time home buyer with US Lending Company, you have the resources you need. And a team of professional Loan Officers ready to help you find a pathway to homeownership.

Or simply fill out the short contact form on this page. We will be in touch to schedule a free, no-obligation call or meeting at your convenience.

For even more information visit our First Time Buyers page and Loan Options page.

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