First-time homebuyer mortgages in San Jose

You’ll understand what you sign

Half of my practice is first-time buyers, and you get the same depth as my jumbo and self-employed clients. I explain every document before you sign it, as many times as it takes. Asking questions is how the process is supposed to work.

How we go about it

• A first conversation. Twenty to thirty minutes on your goals, numbers and timeline. No credit pull until it actually helps you.
• Pre-approval. Documentation mapped to your profile, and a pre-approval that holds up with listing agents.
• Comparing structures. Programs and lenders side by side, with the trade-offs, including low down payment options where they fit.
• Clear to close. I manage underwriting conditions and deadlines so nothing surprises you at the table.

Pre-qualification vs. pre-approval

A pre-qualification is an estimate based on what you tell a lender. A pre-approval means your credit, income and assets have actually been reviewed. In San Jose, listing agents expect a real pre-approval with an offer, and a weak one can cost you the house. Mine are the second kind.

How much house can I afford?

Lenders compare your monthly debts to your gross income, and they count the whole housing payment: principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues and, with a smaller down payment, mortgage insurance. The affordability calculator includes all of them. The number a lender will approve and the number you’ll be comfortable with are not always the same, and I’ll tell you if I think you’re stretching.

How much cash do I need?

Three buckets: the down payment, closing costs, and reserves (money still in the bank after closing). Low down payment options exist where they fit. Closing costs come on top of the down payment and depend on the price, the loan, and the title and escrow fees, so I give you one realistic cash number early, not three surprises later.

Can family help with the down payment?

Often, yes. Many programs allow part or all of the down payment to come as a gift from a family member, with a short gift letter and a paper trail showing where the money came from. Tell me before the money moves, because how it moves matters.

What credit score do I need?

There isn’t one number. Programs set their own minimums, and the price of the loan improves as the score goes up. If you’re not sure where you stand, don’t let a dozen lenders pull your credit; tell me, and we’ll look once, when it helps.

Things worth knowing early

• Your monthly payment is more than principal and interest. Property taxes in Santa Clara County usually land a bit over 1% of the purchase price per year; insurance, HOA dues and sometimes mortgage insurance add to it.
• Timing. Thirty days is a normal purchase timeline, and a clean W-2 file can move faster. I would rather give you a realistic timeline at the start than an optimistic one.
• Wire fraud is real. A mortgage is the largest transfer of money most people ever make. Before you send any funds, confirm the wiring instructions by phone using a number you already know is real — never one taken from the email itself.

Serving San Jose, Morgan Hill and Gilroy

Most of my first-time clients are buying in San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy and the surrounding Bay Area. I’m licensed to originate home loans anywhere in California, and I work with clients in English and Farsi.

Low down payment options are available where they fit. General information only; not a commitment to lend, a rate quote, or an offer of credit. Not all applicants will qualify.