Your First Home Is Closer Than You Think

HOW IT WORKS:
Five Steps to Your First Home

The process is simpler than you think. Here's exactly what buying a home with NuVue looks like.

Step 1 — Book Your Free Consultation
Start with a free Home Purchase Plan consultation. We'll talk through your goals, review your financial picture, and map out a clear path forward. No documents needed, no pressure, no judgment.











Step 2 — Get Pre-Approved
Pre-approval tells you exactly how much home you can afford and shows sellers you're a serious buyer. We'll walk you through the documents needed and handle the heavy lifting. Most of our clients receive pre-approval within 24–48 hours.










Step 3 — Find Your Home
With pre-approval in hand, work with your real estate agent to find the right home. We'll stay in close contact throughout your search so that when you find the one, we're ready to move fast.











Step 4 — We Secure Your Financing
Once your offer is accepted, we go to work. We'll lock your rate, coordinate with the title company and your agent, and keep you updated every step of the way. No surprises — unless the surprise is us closing sooner.










Step 5 — Get Your Keys
Closing day is the finish line. We'll make sure you know exactly what to expect, what to bring, and what every document means before you sign. Then we celebrate — because you just bought your first home.

LOAN PROGRAMS

Programs Built for First-Time Buyers
You have more options than you think. Here's a breakdown of the most common loan programs for first-time homebuyers.

FHA Loans

Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are one of the most popular options for first-time buyers. With as little as 3.5% down and flexible credit requirements starting at 580, they open the door to homeownership for buyers who are still building their financial profile. Ask us if an FHA loan is right for you.

Conventional 97

If you have solid credit and want to avoid FHA mortgage insurance long-term, a Conventional 97 loan lets you put as little as 3% down. It's a great option for buyers with a 620+ credit score who want a straightforward, traditional loan structure.

If you're purchasing in an eligible rural or suburban area, a USDA loan offers zero down payment and competitive interest rates. Many areas that feel suburban actually qualify — ask us to check your target neighborhood.

USDA Loans

VA Loans

Down Payment Assistance Progarms

If you're an active duty service member, veteran, or surviving spouse, you may qualify for a VA loan — one of the most powerful benefits available. Zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. It's our honor to help you use it.

Many first-time buyers don't realize there are state, local, and nonprofit programs that can cover part or all of your down payment and closing costs. Eligibility varies by location and income — but the savings can be significant. Let's find out what you qualify for.

What You'll Need

What to Bring to Get Started

Getting organized early makes everything move faster. Here's what most lenders will ask for — we'll walk you through anything that's unclear.

• Government-issued photo ID

• Two years of federal tax returns and W-2s

• Most recent 30 days of pay stubs

• Two months of bank and asset statements

• Landlord contact information or 12 months of rental payment history

• Employment history for the past two years

Self-employed? We work with business owners too. Your document list will look a little different — we'll walk you through it on your consultation call.

Don't have everything on this list yet? That's okay. Reach out anyway and we'll tell you exactly where to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do I need for a down payment?

Less than you probably think. Depending on the loan program, you could qualify with as little as 3% to 3.5% down — and down payment assistance programs can reduce that even further. On a $300,000 home, 3% is $9,000. We'll help you understand exactly what you need and how to get there.

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

It depends on the loan type. FHA loans start at 580, conventional loans typically require a 620 or higher, and VA and USDA loans have their own guidelines. If your score isn't there yet, we'll connect you with the right resources to build it. No minimum score is required to have a conversation with us.

What is pre-approval and do I need it?

Pre-approval is a lender's written confirmation of how much you qualify to borrow, based on a review of your credit, income, and assets. In today's market, most sellers won't consider an offer without one. The good news — it takes 24–48 hours with NuVue, and it can last up to 90 days

What are closing costs and how much should I expect?

Closing costs are the fees associated with finalizing your home purchase — things like appraisal fees, title insurance, lender fees, and prepaid taxes and insurance. They typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. We'll give you a detailed estimate early in the process so there are no surprises at the closing table.

How long does the buying process take?

From pre-approval to closing, most purchases take between 21 and 45 days depending on the loan type, the property, and how quickly documents are submitted. We'll give you a realistic timeline from day one and work to keep things moving on our end.

First-Time Buyer Questions, Answered Honestly.
No jargon, no runaround — just straight answers.

Can I buy a home if I have student loan debt?

Yes. Student loan debt affects your debt-to-income ratio, which lenders use to determine how much you can borrow — but having student loans doesn't disqualify you. Many of our clients carry student debt and still qualify for great loan programs. We'll look at your full financial picture and find the best path forward.

Not Quite Ready Yet? That's Okay.

Homeownership is a journey, not a deadline. If your credit needs a little work before you're mortgage-ready, visit our Credit Builders page for free tools, trusted resources, and a clear roadmap to get you there — on your timeline, without pressure.

Ready to Take the First Step?

You don't need a perfect credit score, a large down payment, or all the answers before you reach out. You just need to start the conversation. Learn the 5 Steps of a Mortgage Approval today and learn exactly what it will take to get you into your first home.