First home? See how 3–3.5% down programs, seller credits and down-payment assistance actually stack up — myth-busting for first-time buyers.
Russell Petty, Founder
Broker Marketplace
Email: [email protected]
NMLS# 1509681
Empire Home Loans, Inc., NMLS ID #1839243, CA DRE #02086593, CA DFPI/CFL License #60DBO-95315, AZ Lic: MB-1012019. Refer to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org to see additional license information. The Corporate office address is 4401 Hazel Ave Suite 225, Fair Oaks, CA 95628; www.empirehomeloans.com. This communication is for informational purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend. All programs are subject to change or cancellation at any time and without notice. Empire Home Loans, Inc., supports Equal Housing Opportunity.
First home? See how 3–3.5% down programs, seller credits and down-payment assistance actually stack up — myth-busting for first-time buyers.
Loan programs
63% of our closings are first-timers, so we’ve heard every myth, every fear, and every “is this a dumb question?” (It never is.) Here’s the playbook — down payments, assistance programs, and the traps to skip.
I have $18k saved. Is that even enough to start?
In a lot of markets, yes. With a 3% down program, $18k covers the down payment on a $400k range home — and seller credits can carry closing costs.
Want me to map it against your actual numbers? Takes about 90 seconds.
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Equal Housing Opportunity. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval, income verification and property appraisal. Rates shown are illustrative, not an offer, and change without notice.