FIRST-TIME BUYER

You don't need 20% down. You need someone who runs your actual numbers.

I walk you through the entire process from pre-approval to keys. Every cost explained in plain English. No surprises.

By Case Laviolette, MLO · NMLS #2025459 Last updated May 11, 2026

Overview

You've heard a dozen conflicting things from people who never actually ran your numbers. You need 20% down. You can't afford Austin. Your credit isn't good enough. Your student loans are too high.

Most of that is either outdated or flat wrong.

Here's what I do: look at your actual income, credit, savings, and debts. Tell you exactly what you qualify for. Not a range. Not a "maybe." A number. What you can borrow, what it costs per month, and what cash you need at closing. Then I walk you through every step from pre-approval to keys.

There are programs specifically designed for buyers with limited savings. Some allow very low down payments. Some let your entire down payment come from family gifts or assistance programs. I run all of them and show you how the numbers compare.

What I Look For

YOUR INCOME

W-2 is straightforward. 1099, side income, bonus. All of it counts if it's documented right.

YOUR CREDIT

I pull it early. If you're close to a threshold that would improve pricing, I tell you what to do to get there.

YOUR SAVINGS

I figure out what counts toward down payment and closing costs. What needs documentation. Where gifts or assistance can fill gaps.

YOUR DEBTS

Every monthly obligation affects your ratio. Student loans, car payments, credit cards. I know how each lender treats them.

YOUR COMFORT

Qualifying for a number and being comfortable paying it are different things. I show you the math. You decide what feels right.

How I Handle This

Pre-approval first. You know what you can afford before you start shopping. Then when you find a property, I handle the loan start to finish. One person. You call me with questions.

I also explain closing costs in plain English. Every line item. What you're paying, who it goes to, and whether it can be reduced. Nobody should be surprised at the closing table. Programs worth knowing: FHA, HomeReady, and Home Possible.

Questions I Get

Do I really need a big down payment?

No. Multiple programs allow very low minimums. Some allow zero down if you qualify. I show you everything.

Pre-qualification vs pre-approval?

Pre-qualification is an estimate based on what you tell me. Pre-approval means I've verified your income, credit, and assets and issued a letter sellers take seriously. I do full pre-approvals.

How much are closing costs?

I give you an itemized estimate early. Not at the end. No last-minute surprises.

My credit isn't great. Can I still buy?

Probably. Different programs have different thresholds. Many are more flexible than you'd expect.

How long does the whole thing take?

Pre-approval happens in days. Once you're under contract, most purchases close in three to four weeks.

Ready to find out what you actually qualify for?

Send me your scenario. No credit pull to start. I'll tell you your options, your costs, and your timeline.

Send Me Your Scenario → Call Me