While my team can get you a great rate we still highly suggest you research your financing options before beginning your home search. This will give you a clear idea of how much house you can afford, and help you secure the best possible interest rate on your mortgage.

If you're not sure where to start, we can help connect you with a few reputable lenders in the area like Angel Ortiz. In the meantime, here are a few tips to get you started on the right track.

Know Your Credit Score

Your credit score is one of the most important factors that lenders will consider when determining your interest rate. The higher your score, the lower your rate will be. So before you even start shopping for a home, pull your credit report and make sure everything is accurate. If there are any errors, dispute them as soon as possible.

Shop Around for the Best Rate

Interest rates can vary significantly from lender to lender. So it's important to shop around and compare rates before you choose a lender. Keep in mind that the lowest rate isn't always the best deal. Some lenders may charge higher fees or offer less favorable terms. So be sure to read the fine print before you commit to a loan.

Lock in Your Rate

Interest rates are constantly changing, so it's important to lock in your rate as soon as possible. Once your loan is approved, most lenders will give you a 60-day lock-in period. This means that your interest rate will be guaranteed for 60 days, even if rates go up during that time.

Don't be afraid to negotiate with sellers. In many cases, they are willing to come down on price, particularly if the home has been on the market for a while. Don't hesitate to throw out lowball offers and be prepared to back them up if the seller responds with a counteroffer. Who knows? You may just get the home you've always wanted at a price you can afford.

One of the most important things to remember when buying a home is to stay within your budget. It can be tempting to splurge on something that you want, but if you can't afford it, you may end up in financial trouble later on down the road.

Pay attention to your gut feeling when touring homes. If a particular property doesn't feel right, move on to the next one. Some people try to push their agenda when showing homes, including making the home seem better than it is.

Don't let yourself be pressured into anything. If you're not ready to buy a home, wait until you are. There's no rush. Take your time and find the perfect home for you and your family.

When you find the right home, put in an offer. If it's accepted, congrats! You're on your way to becoming a homeowner. If not, don't be discouraged. There are plenty of other homes out there. Keep looking until you find the perfect one for you.

There are a number of first time home buyer loans available. Some of the most popular include FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans. Each of these loan programs has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to do your research before deciding which one is right for you.

FHA Loan

FHA loans require a lower down payment than many other loan programs but they also come with stricter credit requirements. 

If you're looking to get an FHA loan, here's everything you need to know about FHA credit requirements.

FHA loans are a popular choice for first-time homebuyers because they have lower credit score requirements and down payment options as low as 3.5%. But borrowers with credit scores of 580 or lower still have the option to qualify for an FHA loan.

Here's what you need to know about FHA credit requirements:

• The minimum credit score for an FHA loan is 580. However, borrowers with credit scores of 580 or lower still have the option to qualify for an FHA loan.
• Borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher can qualify for an FHA loan with a down payment as low as 3.5%.
• Borrowers with a credit score below 580 can still qualify for an FHA loan, but they will be required to put down a 10% down payment.
• There are no minimum income requirements to qualify for an FHA loan, but borrowers must have a steady income and employment history.
• Self-employed borrowers may still qualify for an FHA loan if they can provide proof of a consistent income and employment history.
• Borrowers with bankruptcies or foreclosures on their credit report may still qualify for an FHA loan if they can meet the mandatory waiting period requirements.

If you're looking to get an FHA loan, these are the credit requirements you'll need to meet in order to qualify.

VA Loan

VA loans are available only to veterans and active duty military members, but they offer 100% financing with no down payment required. This means that you can buy a home with a VA loan without having to put any money down, which is a huge benefit for veterans and active duty military members who may not have the extra cash on hand for a down payment.

VA loans also come with lower interest rates than conventional loans, and they don't require private mortgage insurance (PMI). This makes them an even more attractive option for veterans and active duty military members who are looking to purchase a home.

If you're a veteran or active duty military member, talk to your lender about getting a VA loan. You may be able to get into your dream home with no money down and lower monthly payments.

USDA Loan

USDA loans are available to buyers in rural areas and can offer low-interest rates and no down payment required, but there are income limits that apply.

If you are interested in a USDA loan, you'll need to make sure that your income is below the limit for your area. You can check the income limits here. In addition, USDA loans are only available for properties that are in rural areas. Check out the eligible areas here. Finally, USDA loans require no down payment, which could be a great option if you don't have a lot of cash on hand.

If you think a USDA loan could be right for you, talk to your lender about getting pre-qualified. They can help you determine if you meet the requirements and walk you through the next steps.