Your first home, without the guesswork.

Buying your first home is a big step. New Story Lending’s loan specialists are here to guide you through every step of the loan process, from your very first questions to closing day.

We know first-time buyers have a lot of questions. Your loan officer will explain how the application process works, offer tips for your home search, and help you find a payment that fits your actual budget, not just what you’re approved for.

First time home buyers have a lot of questions and our loan specialists are always available to provide personal attention. They can explain the application process, provide tips to use during your home search, and make sure that you find the perfect home for your needs and budget.

Popular Loan Programs for First-Time Home Buyers:

30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage

The most secure loan program. Lock in a low payment and sleep tight knowing that your rate will not change.

FHA Loan

Perfect for the buyer that wants to put less money down. Purchase your house with as little as 3.5% down!

VA Loan

An amazing deal for veterans and military members. Those who qualify for this loan can purchase with no down payment and no PMI. Find out today if you qualify!

Down Payment Assistance

Options that may make you a home owner with a low down payment.

USDA

Purchase a home with no money down in certain rural and suburban areas.

Compare Loan Options

Not sure this is the right fit? Compare it with a few other loan programs that might work better for your situation:

• 1099 loan program for freelancers and independent contractors
• Investment property loans if you’re rehabbing a rental
• Bank statement loan program for self-employed business owners
• Or browse all of our loan options

Have more questions? Check out our FAQ page for answers to what we hear most, or contact us directly — our loan officers are happy to help.

* Be sure to ask us about our Price Match Guarantee!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be buying my very first home to qualify for “first-time buyer” programs? Not necessarily. Most first-time buyer programs, including many down payment assistance and FHA options, use a broader definition: if you haven’t owned a home in the past three years, you may still qualify. Ask your loan officer to check your eligibility.

How much down payment do I actually need? Less than most people expect. FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% down, VA loans can offer 0% down for eligible veterans and military members, and we also offer down payment assistance programs that can cover part or all of your down payment and closing costs.

What credit score do I need to qualify? It depends on the program. Conventional loans typically look for 620+, while FHA loans can work with scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, and in some cases as low as 500 with a larger down payment. We look at your full financial picture, not just the score.

What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval? Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on the information you provide. Pre-approval verifies your income, assets, and credit, and gives you a conditional loan amount, which is what most sellers and real estate agents want to see before you make an offer. We offer free pre-qualification to get you started.

Can you help me find a real estate agent? Yes. We can match you with a trusted real estate agent through our partner network, so you’re not searching for a home and a lender separately.

What is the Price Match Guarantee? If you find a better rate or terms elsewhere, ask us about our Price Match Guarantee. We’ll work to match it so you don’t have to choose between a lender you trust and the best deal available.