First-Time Home Buyer Guide

Buying Your First Home
in Ventura County?

I'm Tino. I've helped over 2,000 first-time buyers in Ventura County buy their first home. Here's everything you need to know.

3.5%
Min Down Payment
580
Min Credit Score
24hrs
Pre-Approval Time
(805) 393-6278

Let's Talk About Your First Home

I get it. Buying your first home is scary. You're about to spend more money than you've ever spent in your life. You don't know what you don't know. And everyone's giving you conflicting advice.

Here's the truth: It's not as complicated as everyone makes it seem.

I've been doing this for 25+ years. I've helped over 2,000 first-time buyers in Ventura County. Most of them had the same questions you have right now:

  • "How much do I need for a down payment?" → 3.5% with FHA (about $24,500 on a $700K home)
  • "What if my credit isn't perfect?" → 580+ gets you approved with FHA
  • "Can I use gift money?" → Yes! Family can give you the entire down payment
  • "How long does it take?" → 30-45 days from offer to closing
  • "What if I have student loans?" → Not a problem. Doesn't disqualify you.

Bottom line: If you have a job, decent credit (580+), and can save 3.5% down, you can buy a home. Let me show you how.

Which Loan Should You Get?

Here are your options as a first-time buyer. Most people do FHA or Conventional 3%.

Most Popular

FHA Loan

3.5% Down580+ Credit

Most popular for first-time buyers. Low down payment, flexible credit requirements.

$24,500 down on a $700K home

Veterans Only

VA Loan

0% Down620+ Credit

For veterans and active military. No down payment, no PMI, best rates.

$0 down on any price

Good Credit

Conventional 3%

3% Down620+ Credit

Lower down payment option for buyers with good credit. PMI required.

$21,000 down on a $700K home

CA Residents

CalHFA Programs

3-3.5% Down660+ Credit

California first-time buyer programs with down payment assistance available.

Up to $10,000 assistance

Not Sure Which One Is Right for You?

Call me. I'll ask you 5 questions and tell you exactly which loan you should get. Takes 5 minutes.

(805) 393-6278

The Step-by-Step Process

Here's exactly what happens from "I want to buy a house" to "I own a house."

01

Get Pre-Approved

24 Hours

I'll check your credit, income, and debts. You'll know exactly what you can afford.

02

Save Your Down Payment

3-12 Months

FHA needs 3.5%, Conventional needs 3%, VA needs 0%. Gift funds are allowed!

03

Find Your Home

2-8 Weeks

Work with a realtor to find the right house in your budget. I'll be here for questions.

04

Make an Offer

1-3 Days

Your pre-approval letter makes you a strong buyer. Sellers take you seriously.

05

Get Final Approval

30-45 Days

I handle all the paperwork, order the appraisal, and get you to closing.

06

Close & Move In

1 Day

Sign the papers, get your keys, and move into YOUR home!

6 Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make

I've seen these mistakes cost people thousands of dollars. Don't be that person.

Not Checking Credit First

Solution: Check your credit 6 months before buying. Fix errors, pay down debt, boost your score.

Maxing Out Your Budget

Solution: Just because you CAN afford $700K doesn't mean you SHOULD. Leave room for life.

Skipping Pre-Approval

Solution: Sellers won't take you seriously without pre-approval. Get it BEFORE house hunting.

Making Big Purchases

Solution: Don't buy a car, open credit cards, or change jobs during the loan process. Wait!

Not Shopping Lenders

Solution: Banks only offer their rates. I shop 20+ lenders and bring you the best options.

Waiving Inspections

Solution: Never waive inspections to win a bid. You could buy a money pit. Not worth it.

Can You Afford a Home?

Use this calculator to see what your monthly payment would be. Includes taxes, insurance, and PMI.

Mortgage Payment Calculator

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Additional Monthly Costs

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Estimated Monthly Payment

$0

Principal & Interest + Taxes + Insurance + HOA
Loan Amount$400,000
Total Payment$0
Total Interest$0

Monthly Payment Breakdown

Principal & Interest$2,661
Property Tax$500
Home Insurance$150

Questions First-Time Buyers Ask Me Every Day

Ready to Buy Your First Home?

Call me right now. I'll answer all your questions, tell you exactly what you qualify for, and get you pre-approved in 24 hours. No pressure. No BS. Just straight answers.

(805) 393-6278

Ready to get pre-approved in 24 hours?

No credit impact • Free rate quote