How much down payment do I really need to buy my first home?

It depends on the program. Conventional loans go as low as 3% down. FHA loans go as low as 3.5%. Down payment assistance programs in Texas and Florida may reduce your out-of-pocket further. Twenty percent is not a requirement and never has been for most first-time buyers.

What credit score do I need to qualify?

Most first-time buyer programs work with a wide range of credit scores. The exact threshold depends on the loan type, your debt-to-income ratio, and your down payment. The right loan for you depends on your full profile — not one number in isolation.

I'm self-employed. Can I still get a first-time buyer loan?

Yes. Bank-statement loans are built specifically for self-employed buyers, 1099 contractors, and small business owners. They use 12-24 months of bank deposits to verify income instead of two years of tax returns.

How long does the whole process take?

From accepted offer to closing day, most first-time purchase loans take 30 to 45 days. The pre-qualification step beforehand usually takes a few business days once we have your basic financial information.

What's the difference between a mortgage broker and a bank?

A bank can only offer you the loans on its own shelf. As a broker sponsored by C2 Financial Corporation, I shop across a network of lender partners — which means more program options and the ability to match the right loan to your specific situation.

Do you work with buyers across all of Texas and Florida?

Yes. I'm licensed in both Texas and Florida and work with buyers across both states. Each state has its own market dynamics and state-level programs, and I'll guide you through what's relevant to your specific area.

First-Time Home Buyer Loans in Texas & Florida

Your first home, in Texas or Florida.

I help first-time buyers across Texas and Florida find the right loan — including conventional, FHA, and bank-statement programs for self-employed buyers.

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Overview

A first-time home buyer in Texas or Florida has more loan options than most people realize. Conventional loans require as little as 3% down. FHA loans allow 3.5% down with flexible credit guidelines. State and local programs in both Texas and Florida offer additional down payment assistance to qualified buyers. The right loan depends on your income, credit, and timeline — not just the headline rate.

Who this is for

First-time buyers in Texas and Florida.

Salaried buyers

W-2 employees buying their first home — conventional and FHA programs typically fit best.

Self-employed buyers

1099 contractors, freelancers, and business owners — bank-statement programs let you qualify without two years of tax returns.

Buyers using down payment help

Borrowers using Texas or Florida down payment assistance programs to lower their out-of-pocket cost.

The basics

Six things that actually matter.

Down payment isn't always 20%

Conventional loans can go as low as 3% down. FHA loans go as low as 3.5%. Twenty percent is not a requirement to buy.

Credit matters, but not the way you think

Most first-time buyer programs work with credit scores below the conventional threshold. The right loan depends on your full profile, not one number.

Pre-qualification comes before house hunting

Before you tour homes, get pre-qualified. It tells you what you can afford and signals to sellers that you're a serious buyer.

Closing costs are separate from down payment

Plan for 2-5% of the home price in closing costs. Some programs let you roll these in or get seller credits to cover them.

Self-employed buyers have options too

Bank-statement loans use 12-24 months of business deposits instead of tax returns — built for buyers with variable income.

The whole process takes 30-45 days

From accepted offer to keys in hand, most first-time purchase loans close in 30 to 45 days. I keep your file moving.

Loan Programs

Programs first-time buyers commonly use.

Conventional

As little as 3% down for qualified buyers.

The most widely-used first-time buyer loan in the country. Flexible on property type, generally faster to close, and competitive on overall cost when you qualify.

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FHA

3.5% down with flexible credit guidelines.

Backed by the Federal Housing Administration. Designed for buyers with lower credit scores or limited down payment savings. Available across Texas and Florida.

Learn more →

Self-Employed

Qualify with bank deposits, not tax returns.

Built for self-employed buyers, 1099 contractors, and small business owners. Uses 12-24 months of bank statements to verify income.

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DPA Programs

Texas and Florida state programs.

Texas offers programs like My First Texas Home and the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation grants. Florida offers Hometown Heroes and other state-level assistance. Eligibility varies — I'll walk you through which programs you may qualify for.

How it works

Four steps from first call to keys.

Discovery call

We talk through your goals, timeline, and any questions. No application yet, no pressure.

Pre-qualification

I'll review your basic financials and give you a clear picture of what you can comfortably afford and which programs fit.

Application

When you find your home or you're ready to make offers, we'll submit your full application together with everything in one organized place.

Closing

I keep your file moving through underwriting, coordinate with your agent and title company, and stay with you to keys in hand.

Frequently asked

First-time buyer questions, answered.

Related guides

Explore related programs

Next step

Ready to start?

Start your application when you're ready, or get in touch first — either path works.

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