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USA MortgageGroup
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First home

A first home, in order

Start by getting pre-approved so you know your budget, then shop with a realtor, make an offer, and close in about 30–45 days.

The timeline

  1. 01

    Pre-approve

    A few minutes of questions, then documents. You leave with a price range and, once the file is reviewed, a letter.

  2. 02

    Shop

    Tour with a realtor inside that range. We update the letter if the offer price moves.

  3. 03

    Offer

    The contract sets price, repairs, and the closing date. We order the appraisal and keep both agents posted.

  4. 04

    Clear to close

    Underwriting conditions, insurance, and a final walkthrough. Plan on about 30 to 45 days from contract to keys.

Down payment assistance

Texas and some cities and counties offer down payment assistance that opens and closes through the year. Availability is checked when you apply — we will not pretend a program is open if it is not. Florida, Colorado, and California have their own lists.

A first-time buyer is often someone who has not owned a home in the last three years. Some 3% down programs use that definition. We’ll use the definition the program actually requires.

Questions

Straight answers

How much do I need to save?

Down payment plus closing costs, which often land around 2% to 5% of the price, plus a cushion for moving and repairs. Assistance programs, if open, can lower the cash you bring.

What are closing costs?

Lender fees, title, prepaid taxes and insurance, and sometimes discount points. The Loan Estimate itemizes them. We do not advertise a reduced-cost guarantee.

Is down payment assistance available?

Sometimes. Texas programs and local grants change. Ask during pre-approval rather than counting on a blog post.

What credit score should I have?

FHA often starts at 580 for 3.5% down. Conventional first-time programs often want something higher. We look at the report, not a single number on a homepage.

How long does the whole thing take?

Pre-approval can be same-day once documents are in — once the documents are in. The purchase contract itself is usually 30 to 45 days.

Who counts as a first-time buyer?

Commonly, someone who has not owned a principal residence in the last three years. Married buyers are often both measured. The program’s own rule wins.

Reviewed by Patrick Crawford, NMLS #231625 · Last updated October 28, 2026

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