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The Home Loan Team

For First-Time Buyers

Buying your first home?

Here's everything you need to know, in plain English — before you talk yourself out of it.

A clear path to your first home

Buying a first home comes with a long list of unknowns: credit, down payment, loan types, timing. You don't need to have it all figured out before reaching out. That's the whole point of a first conversation. We start with where you are today and walk forward from there, one step at a time.

In plain terms, credit score is one piece of a larger puzzle and different programs carry different minimums. Down payment is usually far less than the 20% myth, with options ranging from 0% for eligible VA and USDA buyers up to roughly 3 to 3.5% for Conventional and FHA. South Carolina down payment assistance through SC Housing is available to many buyers, not just first-timers, so it's worth checking regardless of any assumptions about income or eligibility.

Once we gather the basics, you get a clear breakdown of an estimated price range and monthly payment before house-hunting ever starts. That way your real estate agent can build a search around real numbers instead of guesses. From there, the team stays available throughout underwriting all the way to closing, so the first conversation isn't the last time you hear from us.

  • Review your credit and walk through which loan programs you're likely to qualify for.
  • Explore down payment options, including South Carolina down payment assistance for eligible buyers.
  • Get a clear estimate of price range and monthly payment before you start touring homes.
  • Walk through exactly which documents you'll need so nothing catches you off guard.
  • Coordinate timing with your real estate agent once you're ready to start looking.

Common questions

Start with a conversation

Request your first-time buyer review.

Tell us where you are now and what's making you nervous or unsure. We'll help you sort through it, one clear step at a time.

Ready to start your loan?

Talk to a local advisor today. No pressure, just answers.

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