First time home buyer how to get a mortgage

As a first-time buyer, you’ll typically need to document income, assets, and credit. Lenders use this to decide loan amount and terms. You may qualify for Conventional, FHA, VA, or other programs depending on your situation and the property.

Pre-approval gives you an idea of how much you can borrow and can strengthen your offer. You can get pre-approved with more than one lender; that way you can compare the rates and terms each offers when you’re ready.

Request quotes from several lenders for the same scenario (loan amount, term, loan type). Compare interest rate, APR, closing costs, and cash to close. A lender directory can help you find lenders; a comparison tool lets you line up their quotes side by side.

Organizing your search and comparing offers helps you understand your options. There’s no single “right” lender for every first-time buyer—your job is to gather quotes and compare them so you can decide.