Own your first home with less down
Low and zero-down options, down payment help and a clear plan from pre-approval to keys, in the High Desert and the Inland Empire.
How buying works with me
Start with a call
We talk about your goals, budget and timeline, and which programs could fit you.
Get pre-approved
With your permission, I connect you with a trusted lender so you know your price range before you shop.
Find the right home
I set up searches for your areas, tour homes with you and tell you what I see, good and bad.
Offer, escrow and keys
I negotiate for you and guide you through inspections, appraisal, paperwork and closing.
Low-down and zero-down options
Many buyers need less upfront than they think. These are common options in our area. Which ones fit you depends on your income, credit, the home and the program’s current rules.
FHA loans
As little as 3.5% down for qualified buyers, with more flexible credit guidelines than many conventional loans.
VA loans
0% down for eligible veterans, active-duty service members and some surviving spouses.
USDA loans
0% down in USDA-eligible areas for buyers under the income limits. Some High Desert addresses may qualify; we can check a home’s eligibility by address.
3% down conventional
Programs like Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible allow 3% down for qualified buyers, with income limits in many areas.
CalHFA down payment help
California’s housing agency offers first-time buyer assistance, such as MyHome, a deferred second loan for part of the down payment or closing costs. CalHFA’s Dream For All program has offered first-generation buyers larger shared-appreciation assistance in limited rounds.
Local and lender grants
Some cities, counties and lenders offer grants or forgivable assistance that change throughout the year. Ask me what’s open right now for the area you want.
This is general information, not a loan offer or commitment. Loan programs, down payment assistance and grants are subject to lender approval, eligibility, income and property requirements, and availability, and they can change at any time. Your lender will confirm your actual options.
Do I need 20% down?
No. Many buyers use FHA, VA, USDA or 3%-down loans, sometimes combined with down payment assistance.
What does it cost to work with a buyer’s agent?
We’ll go over how I’m paid and sign a written buyer agreement before we tour homes, so there are no surprises. Sometimes the seller agrees to cover some or all of it, and that’s something I can negotiate for you.
How long does it take?
Every purchase is different. Once your offer is accepted, escrow commonly takes around 30 to 45 days, depending on your loan and the contract.
My credit isn’t perfect. Should I still call?
Yes. A lender can tell you where you stand and what to work on, and we can plan around it.
Compre su primera casa
Le explico paso a paso cómo comprar casa: su precalificación, los programas con poco o nada de enganche, la ayuda para el enganche y todo el proceso hasta recibir sus llaves. Todo en español.
FHA: desde 3.5% de enganche para compradores que califiquen.
VA: 0% de enganche para veteranos y militares elegibles.
USDA: 0% de enganche en zonas elegibles, con límites de ingresos.
CalHFA y otros programas: ayuda para el enganche y los costos de cierre para quienes califiquen.
Información general, no es una oferta de préstamo. Los programas están sujetos a la aprobación del prestamista, a requisitos de elegibilidad y a disponibilidad, y pueden cambiar en cualquier momento.
Ready to see what you qualify for?
Book a free 15-minute call, or browse High Desert homes and Inland Empire homes for sale.
Miguel A. Reyes, Realtor, DRE #02042477. CENTURY 21 LOTUS. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Miguel is a real estate agent, not a lender.
