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Purchase

First home? We'll walk you through every step.

Buying your first home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. We pace the process, explain what's happening, and help you avoid the surprises that catch first-time buyers off-guard.

Start your purchase quoteCall (704) 800-4719

Where to start

Most first-time buyers benefit from getting pre-qualified before house hunting. It tells you what you can comfortably afford and gives sellers confidence in your offer.

What to expect

From pre-qualification to closing usually takes 30–45 days once you're under contract. We'll give you a clean, dated checklist of what's needed and when.

Highlights

What you should know

Match the right program

FHA, conventional 3% down, USDA, VA — we'll show you which one is actually best for your numbers.

Down-payment assistance

Some buyers qualify for state and local down-payment assistance. We'll check.

No-pressure pacing

We move at your speed. Pre-qualification, then home shopping, then full application.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the first step to buying my first home?
The first step is getting pre-qualified. A free, no-credit-pull pre-qualification tells you what you can comfortably afford, what loan programs you're a candidate for, and how much you'll need at closing — all before you start house-hunting. Call (704) 800-4719 or pre-qualify online to begin.
How much money do I need saved to buy my first home?
It varies by program. With FHA you might need as little as 3.5% down, with conventional 3% down loans you might need even less, and VA or USDA borrowers may put $0 down. On top of the down payment, plan for closing costs (typically 2–5% of the purchase price) plus a few months of reserves.
What credit score do first-time buyers need?
Many first-time buyers qualify with a credit score of 580 (FHA) to 620 (conventional 3% down). Better scores generally mean better rates and lower mortgage insurance costs. We'll review your credit and identify the strongest path.
Are there grants or down-payment assistance programs in North Carolina?
Yes — North Carolina runs several down-payment assistance programs through NC Housing Finance Agency, and there are local and federal options that can stack with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans. Eligibility is income- and program-specific. We'll check your eligibility when we review your situation.
How long does it take to buy a first home?
From the moment you start: 5–10 minutes for pre-qualification, anywhere from a few days to several months of house-hunting, then 30–45 days from offer-accepted to closing once you're under contract. Most first-time buyers close 60–120 days after starting the process.
Pre-qualified vs. pre-approved — what's the difference?
Pre-qualification is a fast, no-credit-pull check based on the information you give us. It's a great starting point. Pre-approval involves verifying your documents and pulling credit, which carries more weight with sellers and is the right step once you're ready to write offers.
Can I buy a home without a real estate agent?
Technically yes, but most first-time buyers benefit from working with an experienced buyer's agent — and the seller typically pays the buyer's agent commission, so it's usually free for you. Richard's affiliated real estate team at Tocado & Company can help if you'd like a referral.

Talk it through with our team.

Five minutes on the phone, or a few questions online. No pressure, no credit pull required.

Start your purchase quote Call (704) 800-4719