Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. Clear2 Mortgage specializes in walking first-time buyers through the process, from understanding your options to closing day, without the confusion that comes from dealing with a bank.
Most first-time buyers underestimate how much home they can afford, or assume their credit isn't good enough. We run the numbers before you start looking.
You don't need 20% down. FHA requires 3.5%. Conventional can go as low as 3%. We'll show you exactly what's needed.
In popular neighborhoods, good homes can go under contract in days. Buyers without a pre-approval letter lose out. We issue pre-approvals same-day.
Down payment is just one piece. Closing costs, prepaid interest, and escrow setup add up. We give you a full cash-to-close estimate before you make an offer.
FHA vs. conventional vs. physician loan: the right answer depends on your credit, income, and down payment. We compare all three side-by-side.
3.5% down with flexible credit guidelines. Best for buyers with 580, 679 credit scores. Includes upfront and annual mortgage insurance.
Fannie Mae HomeReady or Freddie Mac Home Possible. 3% down with PMI that drops once you reach 20% equity.
$0 down for eligible veterans and active-duty service members. No PMI, competitive rates. One of the best programs available if you qualify.
0, 5% down, no PMI, student loan debt excluded from DTI. Ideal for doctors, dentists, and residents buying their first home.
Every state runs its own assistance programs, with its own income limits, price limits, and rules. Here is where to start in the states we serve most. Your loan officer will check which ones you qualify for.
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) offers the MI 10K DPA loan and first mortgage programs for eligible buyers.
Florida Housing offers Florida Assist, and the Hometown Heroes program helps eligible workers when funding is open.
Georgia Dream, run by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, pairs a first mortgage with down payment help for eligible buyers.
TDHCA's My First Texas Home and TSAHC's Homes for Texas Heroes and Home Sweet Texas programs offer down payment help.
Clear2 Mortgage is licensed in 22 states. Pick yours for local loan limits, programs, and market detail.
We run a soft credit check, review your income and assets, and issue a pre-approval letter. This takes about 24 hours and costs nothing.
We give you a full picture: estimated monthly payment, cash to close, and how different loan programs compare. No surprises.
With your pre-approval letter in hand, you can move quickly. Clear2 can update the letter same-day as your offer price changes.
Once you're under contract, we lock your rate and start the underwriting process. Clear2 targets a 30-day close on all loan types.
We walk you through the closing disclosure, answer every question, and make sure you know exactly what you're signing. Then you get your keys.
Gather these documents before your first conversation with Clear2.
These missteps can delay or derail a first-time buyer's loan.
Clear2 Mortgage is an independent mortgage broker licensed in 22 states. Our loan officers don't represent one lender's product line: they shop the wholesale market on your behalf to find the program that fits your credit, income, and goals.
From same-day pre-approvals to 30-day closes, we're built to keep first-time buyers competitive in a fast market.
Lucas Barbat is Clear's VP of Sales and one of the most experienced mortgage professionals on the Clear2 team, with nearly a decade in the industry and over $1 billion in closed mortgage volume. He specializes in helping first-time buyers navigate down payment assistance programs, credit requirements, and the full path from pre-approval to closing.
Five-star reviews from Clear2 clients on Google.
"Donavin was straightforward and a breeze to work with. Communication was quick and easy. The whole process was seamless and he was available for guidance or questions. I would not hesitate to use Clear2 Mortgage in the future."
"Alex was absolutely amazing from the beginning. He was patient and thorough with all of our questions. He even followed up after the process was finalized to ensure everything was still good. I would recommend him to everyone!"
"The process was seamless and every question I had as a first-time home buyer was answered. My loan officer gave me his professional opinion based on my specific circumstances to personalize my loan."
How much do I need to buy my first home?
Less than you might think. FHA requires 3.5% down, about $10,500 on a $300,000 home. Conventional loans can go as low as 3%. Down payment assistance programs may cover some or all of that for eligible buyers. Closing costs typically add another 2% to 3%.
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down. Conventional loans typically require 620+. The higher your score, the better your rate, but there are programs available for most credit situations.
Are there down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers?
Yes. Every state Clear2 serves has its own programs, including MSHDA in Michigan, Florida Assist, Georgia Dream, and TDHCA and TSAHC programs in Texas. Clear2 can walk you through what you may qualify for based on income, purchase price, and location. FHA loans also allow 3.5% down, and conventional loans can go as low as 3% for qualifying buyers.
How long does the mortgage process take for first-time buyers?
From pre-approval to closing, Clear2 targets 30 days. Pre-approval itself takes about 24 hours. The key is getting pre-approved before you start shopping, not after.
Should I get pre-approved before looking at homes?
Yes, always. In busy markets, homes can go under contract within a week or two. Without a pre-approval letter, sellers won't take your offer seriously. Pre-approval costs nothing and locks in your budget.
What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is an estimate based on unverified info. Pre-approval is a verified review of your actual income, credit, and assets, and it's what sellers and agents expect. Clear2 issues full pre-approvals, not pre-qualifications.
No obligation, no hard credit pull. We'll show you exactly what you qualify for, what programs are available, and what your monthly payment looks like, before you ever make an offer.
Clear2 Mortgage, LLC. NMLS #1911663. Licensed Mortgage Broker. 2600 W Big Beaver Rd, Suite 100, Troy, MI 48084. Equal Housing Lender. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval, property appraisal, and underwriting guidelines. Rates and terms subject to change without notice.
