Tuesday, July 29th @ 7pm
1st Time Home
Buying your first home is very exciting!
As an experienced mortgage professional, I am here to guide you through every step of the loan process.
Before finding your new home, we can help you get pre-qualified for free. We can also match you with a trusted real estate agent through our partner networks. Our variety of loan options allow you to buy your first home (or new home after 3 years) with little money down and we will work to ensure the loan payments meet your unique needs.
First time home buyers have a lot of questions and I am always to provide personal attention. I can explain the application process, provide tips to use during your home search, and make sure that you find the perfect home for your needs and budget.
Down Payment Assistance Programs
Down Payment Assistance Programs are initiatives established to assist homebuyers in overcoming the hurdle of a substantial down payment. These programs come in various forms, offering financial aid, grants, or low-interest loans to eligible individuals or families.
Key Benefits:
Reduced Financial Burden: Access to down payment assistance can significantly reduce the initial financial burden associated with buying a home,
making homeownership more achievable.
Increased Affordability: With assistance, you may qualify for a mortgage with a lower down payment requirement, making homeownership more accessible.
Expanded Eligibility: These programs often have specific criteria, including income levels, allowing a broader range of individuals or families to qualify.
Types of Down Payment Assistance Programs:
Grants: Some programs provide outright grants that do not need to be repaid, offering a direct boost to your down payment funds.
Low-Interest Loans: Others offer low-interest loans, making it more affordable for you to secure the necessary funds for a down payment.
Forgivable Loans: In certain cases, loans may be forgivable over time, converting into a grant if specific conditions, such as residency requirements, are met.
Eligibility Criteria:
Each program may have its own set of eligibility criteria. These typically include factors such as:
Income Limits: Your household income may be a key determinant in qualifying for assistance.
First-Time Homebuyer Status: Some programs are designed for first-time homebuyers, while others may be available to those who haven't owned a home in a certain period.
Credit Score: Maintaining a good credit score may be essential for eligibility in certain programs.
Popular Loan Programs for First Time Home Buyers:
30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage
The most secure loan program. Lock in a low payment and sleep tight knowing that your rate will not change.
FHA Loan
Perfect for the buyer that wants to put less money down. Purchase your house with as little as 3.5% down!
VA Loan
An amazing deal for veterans and military members. Those who qualify for this loan can purchase with no down payment and no PMI. Find out today if you qualify!
Another Reason to own your home: Skyrocketing Rents.
Lower Rates for 1st-Time Home Buyers!
Gift for Down Payment: The Gift Tax Exclusion Myths
How to get an 850 Credit Score
A flawless 850 FICO® score unlocks the lowest interest rates, elite credit card offers, and top-tier negotiating power on loans. At BlueWater Credit, we’ve guided thousands to exceptional scores. Follow this step-by-step roadmap to elevate your credit profile and lean on our experts whenever you need help.
1. Assess Your Starting Line: Pull Your Credit Reports
Start with a clear picture of your credit history. Order your free reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com. For full FICO® score monitoring, you can also check your scores through this MyScoreIQ link.
Review your reports for:
- Accounts you don’t recognize (possible fraud)
- Late payments or delinquencies
- Recent hard inquiries
- Public records like liens or bankruptcies
Keep copies of each report so you can track progress and catch any surprises early.
2. Build an Unbreakable On-Time Payment Streak
Your payment history makes up 35% of your score—the single most important factor. To keep it spotless:
- Automate all bills, from mortgage to utilities
- Set reminders at least two days before due dates
- Maintain a buffer in your bank account to avoid accidentally missing payments
A consistent record of on-time payments signals that you’re a low-risk borrower.
3. Crush Credit Utilization: Keep Balances Low
Credit utilization makes up 30% of your score. Aim to keep balances under 10% of your credit limits:
- Make multiple payments throughout the month
- Request credit limit increases periodically (but don’t spend more)
- Spread purchases across cards to avoid any single high balance
Low utilization shows lenders you use credit wisely—not excessively.
4. Cultivate a Healthy Credit Mix
Your credit mix accounts for 10% of your score. A balanced profile may include:
- Revolving credit (credit cards, lines of credit)
- Installment loans (auto, mortgage, student)
- Secured cards or retail accounts
Only open new accounts when they serve a purpose—too many new accounts can hurt more than help. If you’re looking to diversify your mix, explore current credit card offers here.
5. Preserve Account Age: Honor Your Oldest Accounts
Length of credit history makes up 15% of your score. Here’s how to maximize it:
- Keep old accounts open, even if unused
- Downgrade fee-based cards instead of closing them
- Avoid opening too many new accounts at once
Long-standing credit relationships show stability and reliability.
6. Minimize Hard Inquiries When Applying
Hard pulls can temporarily lower your score. Reduce their impact by:
- Bundling mortgage or auto loan rate-shopping into a 14-day window (FICO treats them as one)
- Using prequalification tools that rely on soft inquiries
Strategic planning keeps your credit momentum strong.
7. Monitor Regularly & Dispute Issues with BlueWater Credit
Even a small error can hold back your score. Stay proactive by:
- Signing up for credit monitoring to catch new accounts, inquiries, or delinquencies
- Contacting BlueWater Credit immediately if you spot anything inaccurate or suspicious
Our experts will handle disputes with the bureaus so you can stay focused on your goals.
8. Use Credit-Builder Tools Wisely
If you’re building or repairing credit, the right tools can speed up progress:
- Secured credit cards (backed by a deposit, but report like regular cards)
- Credit-builder loans (payments are held in savings and reported monthly)
- Authorized user status on a trusted person’s account
Use these products strategically and manage them responsibly to build trust with lenders.
9. Make 850 a Lifestyle, Not Just a Goal
Achieving a perfect score is impressive—but maintaining it is where the real power lies. Stick with your good habits: make on-time payments, keep utilization low, monitor your reports, and stay informed.
Barrett Financial Group, LLC NMLS #181106
© 2024 All Rights Reserved. Kurt Kessler NMLS# 365130 | Barrett Financial Group, L.L.C. | NMLS #181106 | 3207 Grey Hawk Court, Suite 110, Carlsbad, CA 92010 | CA 60DBO-46052 & 41DBO-148702 Licensed by Dept. of Financial Protection & Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law License | Equal Housing Opportunity | This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval. nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/COMPANY/181106 -NMLS Consumer Access /Legal Disclaimer - This information is not intended to be an indication of loan qualification, loan approval or commitment to lend. Other limitations may apply. This site is not authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services. No mortgage loan applications for properties located in the state of New York will be accepted through this site.