Watch
Watch a short about how buying your first home works.
Play videoFirst-time Homebuyer
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to understand everything before you begin.
This page will help you understand the basic steps, estimate a comfortable payment, learn what lenders look for, and know what questions to ask.
Start here
A simple way to begin if you are buying your first home and are not sure what to do first.
Estimate
Use our payment calculators to estimate a comfortable monthly payment.
Open calculator
Understand
Read a simple first-time buyer guide to learn what happens before and after you apply.
Read guide
Move forward
Ready to take the next step? Start your application here.
ApplyAlso explore
Plan your payment
Before you focus on a home price, start with the monthly payment. Buying your first home usually feels easier when you understand how payment, down payment, taxes, insurance, and loan terms work together.
Payment calculator
See how you down payment and loan term affect your mortgage payment.
Open calculatorAffordability calculator
See how payment, taxes, insurance, and down payment affect how much home you can afford.
Open calculatorRent vs. buy calculator
Compare the long-term cost of renting with the potential cost and benefits of buying a home.
Open calculatorExtra payment calculator
See how making extra payments could reduce interest and shorten the life of your mortgage.
Open calculatorCan I qualify?
First-time buyers often have questions about credit, income, savings, and down payment.
Explore qualification topics
- Credit score questions What credit affects and what to do if yours needs work.
- Income and employment questions Learn how lenders review income and job history.
- Down payment questions Understand how much money you may need and where it can come from.
More ways we can help
Some loan options are designed around a specific goal or situation. If one of these fits what you're trying to do, visit the page to request details or answer a few questions.
Articles and guides
More reading if you want to go deeper.
What clients say
“We can''t say enough about the great service we received. There were a lot of hiccups along the way and they were masterfully navigated by Steve and Tracy. I can''t recommend Lone Star Lending and Steve more highly. It was a pleasure to work with them and we are happy with our home.”
— John and Judith S.
From the kitchen
Because life is not all mortgages.
Ready to move forward?
When you're ready, the next step is simple.
Have a question? Use the chat icon in the bottom right - we're here to help.
