Your first mortgage, without the jargon.
Low-down-payment programs exist for a reason. Lenders in our network walk first-time buyers through them daily — and you don’t need perfect credit or a huge down payment to start.
You probably need less down than you think
- Conventional — low-down-payment programs for qualifying first-time buyers
- FHA — government-insured loans with flexible down-payment and credit requirements
- VA and USDA — no down payment required for eligible service members and veterans (VA) and for eligible rural areas and incomes (USDA)
- Down payment assistance — many states, counties, and cities run grants or second loans for first-time buyers; lenders in our network know which ones apply where you are buying
Program specifics are in our first-time buyer guides; the lenders you match with will tell you exactly which you qualify for.
The order of operations
- Get matched and talk to a lender. Ten minutes on the phone tells you what you can realistically afford and which program fits.
- Get pre-approved. The lender verifies income, assets, and credit and issues a letter you will attach to offers.
- Shop with a number. Now you know your ceiling — including taxes, insurance, and any HOA dues.
- Offer, appraisal, underwriting, closing. Typically 30–45 days from an accepted offer.
What "closing costs" means
Beyond the down payment, expect lender fees, title and escrow, prepaid taxes and insurance, and an appraisal — commonly a few percent of the price. Sellers can sometimes contribute, and some programs allow closing costs to be covered by assistance or a lender credit.
Where Quickie Mortgages fits
We connect you with licensed lenders who work with first-time buyers every day and can tell you — in plain English — what you qualify for. No hard credit pull until you choose one.
Questions people ask
What credit score do I need to buy a house?
It depends on the program — FHA loans are designed to work with lower scores than most conventional programs, and better credit generally means better pricing. Lenders in our network can tell you where you stand and what would help.
Who counts as a first-time buyer?
For most programs, anyone who has not owned a principal residence in the past three years — so you may qualify even if you owned a home years ago.
See what lenders will offer you — in about three minutes.
Answer a few questions about the home and your situation. Licensed lenders in our network reach out with real options; you compare and choose. No obligation, and no hard credit pull to get matched.