FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
Your Roadmap To Your First Home
Six clear steps — from your budget and down payment assistance to the closing table — with Alex guiding you the whole way.
THE ROADMAP
Six steps from renting to owning
Down payment assistance has its own timeline and rules, so the order matters. Follow these steps and you won’t miss a requirement.
Know your numbers
Estimate a comfortable monthly payment and how much you’ll need upfront: down payment, closing costs (often 2%–5% of the price) and a small cushion. Don’t forget Florida homeowners insurance, taxes and HOA dues.
Find down payment assistance
Most help is local — it depends on where the home is. Pick your county to see county, city, housing finance authority and nonprofit programs, with phone numbers and official links. Funding opens and closes, so check early.
Find my county’s programs (all 67 counties)Take the 1-minute readiness check
Take a homebuyer education class
Many assistance programs require a homebuyer education certificate before you close — and some require it before you apply. Courses are offered by HUD-approved counseling agencies, online or in person, and often cost little or nothing.
Get pre-approved — with assistance in mind
Assistance only works with participating lenders and specific loan types (often FHA or conventional). Alex reviews your income, credit and savings, confirms which programs pair with your loan and gives you a pre-approval you can shop with.
Shop and make an offer
Tell your agent you’re using assistance. Programs often have purchase price limits and property rules, and their approval can add time — so build a realistic closing date into your contract. Alex can call the listing agent to explain your financing.
Close and get your keys
Respond quickly to document requests, keep your credit and bank accounts steady, and review your Closing Disclosure. Any assistance second mortgage or grant documents are signed at closing.
1-MINUTE CHECK
Are you ready for down payment assistance?
Answer 8 quick questions to get a personalized checklist, the programs to look at in your county and loan options to compare. No personal information needed.
LOAN OPTIONS
Loans first-time buyers use most
FHA
3.5% down with a 580+ score and flexible credit guidelines. Pairs with many local assistance programs.
FHA loansConventional 3% down
Low down payment options for eligible first-time buyers, with mortgage insurance you can remove later.
Conventional loansVA
No down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance for eligible veterans and service members.
VA loansUSDA
No down payment for eligible buyers in qualifying areas, with household income limits.
USDA loansCompare them side by side on the first-time homebuyer loans page.
UNDERSTAND THE HELP
How assistance usually works
- Deferred 0% second mortgages — no monthly payment; repaid when you sell, refinance or pay off the home
- Forgivable loans — forgiven over time if you live in the home for the required period
- Grants — don’t have to be repaid; often smaller and limited
- Mortgage Credit Certificates — a yearly federal tax credit on part of your mortgage interest
COMMON REQUIREMENTS
What programs often ask for
- First-time buyer status (often no home owned in 3 years)
- Household income at or below a limit for your county and household size
- A purchase price limit and a home in the program’s area
- A minimum credit score and a small buyer contribution
- Homebuyer education certificate
- A participating lender and approved first mortgage
Every program is different — confirm current rules with the administering agency or ask Alex.
FAQ
First-time buyer questions
Can I buy a home with little money saved?
Often, yes. Low down payment loans, assistance programs, gift funds and seller-paid closing costs can combine to reduce what you bring to closing. Most programs still require a small contribution from you.
Do I have to repay down payment assistance?
It depends on the program. Many are 0% deferred second mortgages repaid when you sell or refinance; others are forgivable or grants.
Will using assistance make my offer weaker?
It can add time, so clear communication matters. A strong pre-approval and realistic closing date help. Alex can speak with the listing agent about your financing.
When should I take the homebuyer class?
Early — ideally before or right after you get pre-approved. Some programs need the certificate before they will reserve funds.
What credit score do I need?
FHA allows 580+ for 3.5% down, conventional generally starts around 620, and many assistance programs set their own minimums, often 620–640+.
GET PERSONAL HELP
Let Alex match you with the right programs
Share where you want to buy and Alex will review which assistance programs and loans may fit, what you’ll need, and a realistic timeline — at no cost and with no obligation.
- Program-to-loan matching for your county
- An estimate of cash to close with and without assistance
- Help with homebuyer education and application timing
- A pre-approval you can shop with
Prefer to talk? Call or text (954) 496-4320 or book a call.
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Down payment assistance programs are administered by third parties. Eligibility, funding, income and price limits and terms change frequently and are not guaranteed. The readiness check is educational and is not a determination of eligibility, a loan application or a commitment to lend. Not all applicants qualify. H. Alex El-Ali, NMLS #1513750, FL LO125697 | NEXA Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #1660690. Equal Housing Lender.