Buying your first home is more than just a financial decision–it is the start of a new chapter in your life and an incredibly exciting achievement. Securing your first home loan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Radiant Mortgage is here to provide unmatched customer support every step of the way–offering guidance, expertise, and a helping hand whenever you need it.
Our team is dedicated to making the mortgage process as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can feel confident, supported, and truly cared for on your journey to homeownership. With Radiant Mortgage, you’re not just applying for a loan—you’re establishing a trusted partnership with a lender who is as committed to your dreams as you are.
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a critical first step in the homebuying process, especially for first-time buyers. Pre-approval not only helps you determine how much home you can afford but also strengthens your position as a serious buyer when you make an offer. Sellers and real estate agents tend to favor buyers with pre-approval because it shows that you’ve already been vetted by a lender and are financially prepared to move forward.
To get pre-approved, your lender will need specific documentation to assess your financial health and creditworthiness. This typically includes:
The down payment is one of the biggest upfront costs of buying a home, and it’s often the primary hurdle for first-time homebuyers. The amount you need for a down payment will depend on the type of mortgage you choose. Conventional loans typically require anywhere from 3% to 20% of the home’s purchase price, while government-backed loans like FHA, VA, or USDA loans offer more lenient down payment requirements, sometimes as low as 0% for eligible borrowers.
For first-time buyers, there’s great news: you may not have to go it alone. Radiant offers Down Payment Assistance loans (DPA) to help ease the upfront costs of homeownership.
Home inspections and appraisals are critical steps in protecting your investment and ensuring your new home is worth the price you’re paying. A home inspection checks the condition of the property, uncovering any potential issues like structural damage, faulty wiring, or plumbing concerns. This report helps you negotiate repairs or adjustments to the purchase price if needed.
An appraisal, on the other hand, assesses the home’s market value, ensuring that the lender isn’t loaning more than the property is worth. Both are essential for a smooth mortgage process. These steps also help avoid costly surprises after you’ve moved in.