Your First Home.
Made Simple.
We specialize in guiding first-time buyers through every step of the mortgage process — with zero pressure and total transparency.
Before You Search
First, Let's Talk Numbers
580+
Credit Score
580+ for FHA (3.5% down). 620+ for conventional. 740+ gets you the best rates. You can still buy below 620 — FHA is designed for it.
0–3.5%
Down Payment
0% with VA or USDA. 3% with Conventional 97. 3.5% with FHA. State programs may offer additional assistance on top.
≤50%
Debt-to-Income
Total monthly debts (including your new mortgage) should be below 43–50% of gross income. We'll calculate your exact DTI.
2–5%
Closing Costs
Plan for 2–5% of the loan amount beyond your down payment. Seller concessions can offset this — we'll negotiate strategically.
Loan Programs
Programs Built for First-Time Buyers
FHA Loan
First-time buyers with lower credit or higher debt-to-income ratios
Learn more →Conventional 97
Buyers with solid credit who want to avoid FHA mortgage insurance rules
Learn more →USDA Loan
Buyers in rural/suburban areas — many parts of Oregon, CA & CO qualify
Learn more →Down Payment Assistance
State Programs That Can Help You Close the Gap
Each state we serve has dedicated programs offering grants or low-cost second loans on top of your primary mortgage. Ask us which ones you qualify for.
California Housing Finance Agency
- ✓MyHome Assistance — deferred silent second loan: up to 3.5% on FHA, up to 3% on conventional; no payments until you sell or refinance
- ✓Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan — up to 20% down (max $150,000) for first-generation homebuyers; released in limited voucher rounds
- ✓CalPLUS programs pair a CalHFA first mortgage with built-in zero-interest closing cost assistance
- ✓Homebuyer education course required for all programs
Colorado Housing & Finance Authority
- ✓CHFA FirstStep — lowest fixed-rate mortgage program, saving thousands over the life of the loan
- ✓DPA Grant: up to 3% of the first mortgage — no repayment required, ever
- ✓DPA Second Mortgage: up to 4% of the first mortgage for buyers who need more help with closing costs
- ✓CHFA FirstGeneration — up to $25,000 in DPA for first-generation buyers or those from the foster care system
- ✓620+ credit score and $1,000 minimum borrower contribution required
Federal & Lender Grants
Grants Available Regardless of State
These programs work on top of — or independently from — state assistance. Many buyers qualify for more than one.
National Homebuyers Fund (NHF)
- ✓Up to 5% of the loan amount as a grant — no repayment required
- ✓Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans
- ✓Available in all 50 states through participating lenders
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)
- ✓Each of the 11 regional FHLBs runs its own DPA grant program
- ✓Grants typically range from $2,500–$9,500 depending on the region
- ✓Accessed through FHLB member lenders — ask us if we participate
Lender Grant Programs
- ✓Bank of America: up to $10,000 in down payment grants in eligible markets
- ✓Chase: $2,500–$5,000 in select areas with no repayment required
- ✓Wells Fargo: up to $10,000 in select markets for low-to-moderate income buyers
The Process
How It Works — Step by Step
It's faster than you think.
01
Free Consultation
A 15-minute call with us. No pressure — just a clear picture of what you qualify for.
02
Pre-Approval
Submit your documents and get a verified pre-approval letter, typically within 24–48 hours.
03
House Hunting
Shop with confidence. Your pre-approval letter shows sellers you're serious.
04
Offer Accepted
Once you're under contract, we order the appraisal and submit your file to underwriting.
05
Loan Processing
Underwriting reviews and approves your loan. Ease Lending averages 10 days to approval.
06
Keys in Hand
Sign your closing documents, pay closing costs, and walk away with the keys to your home.
FAQ
Questions We Hear Most
As little as 0% with USDA or VA loans, 3% with a Conventional 97 loan, or 3.5% with FHA. Many first-time buyers are surprised by how little they need — especially in qualifying rural areas around Bend where USDA zero-down applies.
580+ opens the FHA program at 3.5% down. 620+ opens conventional loans. If your score is below 580, you may still qualify for FHA with 10% down. We can review your credit and tell you exactly where you stand.
Pre-qualification is an informal estimate based on self-reported numbers — it doesn't carry much weight with sellers. Pre-approval involves verified income, credit, and assets. In competitive markets like Bend, Portland, and Denver, sellers expect pre-approval letters.
Yes. Beyond FHA and Conventional 97, state agencies offer additional programs: OHCS in Oregon, CalHFA in California, and CHFA in Colorado all have first-time buyer programs with below-market rates and down payment assistance.
Ease Lending averages 10 days from application to approval. Total closing from an accepted offer typically takes 21–30 days. The timeline depends on the transaction and any negotiated closing dates.
Client Stories
First-Time Buyers We've Helped
Adele made the entire process so much less intimidating. As a first-time buyer I had no idea what to expect, but she walked me through every single step. We closed in under 30 days.
James R.
Bend, OR
We were so nervous about buying our first home, but Adele explained everything clearly and found us a rate we didn't think was possible. Couldn't recommend her more.
Sarah & Mike T.
Eugene, OR
Ready to Take the First Step?
Book a free 15-minute call with us and find out exactly what you qualify for — no commitment, no pressure.