First-Time Homebuyer Financing
Your options go far beyond FHA
Last reviewed September 9, 2026
Quick Answer
First-time buyers may qualify for conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and specialized assistance programs depending on their finances and eligibility. There is no single first-time buyer mortgage, and buyers should compare total payment, cash to close, mortgage insurance and long-term costs.
What financing options does a first-time buyer actually have?
The biggest first-time-buyer misconception is that FHA is the automatic answer. FHA is popular and can work well, but qualified first-time buyers can also use conventional low-down-payment financing, VA if they are eligible veterans, USDA where the property and household qualify, and state or local down-payment-assistance programs. The right loan depends on credit, income, savings, the property, its location and your long-term plans.
Your lender determines qualification, loan amounts, mortgage insurance, rates and program eligibility. Lisa is a REALTOR®, not a mortgage lender, so she helps connect that financing reality to the actual property: she identifies homes and communities to research, negotiates the transaction and coordinates with your lender so the offer supports the loan.
For the whole series, start at the Financing a Home resource center. New buyers can also start with the complete first-time buyer guide for Las Vegas.
First-Time Buyer Resource Navigation
Start with the situation that matches yours. Every guide is built around the questions first-time buyers actually ask.
I Don't Have 20% Down
I Need Help With Cash
The Financing Guides in This Series
Five full articles on first-time buyer financing, down payments and cash-to-close.
Know your debt-to-income ratio before you make an offer
Estimate your front-end housing ratio and back-end total DTI, then test what paying off a car or a credit card could do. Educational only: your lender determines what the number means for your approval.
Financing rules and assistance programs change. Verify the current numbers.
Income limits, mortgage insurance structures, rates, credit-score requirements, down-payment-assistance amounts and program availability change over time. This site does not hard-code those figures as permanent rules. Ask a lender who originates in Nevada what is available today, and check current official resources:
Your lender determines qualification, loan amounts and approval under current program rules. Lisa is a REALTOR®, not a mortgage lender. She helps you translate an approved financing plan into properties that actually fit, and coordinates the offer so the real estate side supports the loan.
Financing Questions?
Compare programs with a licensed Loan Originator who works with first-time Las Vegas buyers, VA-eligible buyers included. Steve Reed handles the financing; Lisa handles the real estate.
Financing Questions?
Steve Reed
Loan Originator
NMLS #2012904 · Barrett Financial Group, L.L.C. · Corp NMLS #181106
8485 W. Sunset Rd, Suite 202
Las Vegas, NV 89113
Lisa C Hamilton is the REALTOR® who handles the real-estate side of your transaction. Steve Reed is the Loan Originator who handles the financing side. This is a lending-contact card, not a lender website; Steve will review your information and help determine the appropriate next step.
Compare total payment, cash to close and long-term cost, not just the down payment.
Lisa connects the financing decision to the actual property, so your first home fits your budget in real life, not just on a lender's letter.