First-time buyers
You don't need to know anything yet. That's the point.
Everyone starts at zero. Alex's whole job is taking you from "no idea" to keys — in plain English, at your pace, with no dumb questions along the way.
Myth busting
Six things "everyone knows" that are wrong
You need 20% down to buy a house.
The truth: Conventional loans start at 3% down for first-time buyers, FHA at 3.5%, and VA and USDA can be $0 down. Twenty percent avoids PMI — it is not the price of admission.
You need perfect credit.
The truth: FHA guidelines allow scores in the 580s, and many conventional programs work from 620. "Great credit" helps pricing, but "perfect" is a myth that keeps qualified Nebraskans renting.
You should wait for rates to drop.
The truth: Nobody can time rates — not Alex, not the internet. If the payment works for your budget today, waiting can cost you appreciation, and if rates fall later, refinancing is always on the table.
Getting pre-approved hurts your credit.
The truth: A mortgage pre-approval is a single inquiry with a small, temporary effect — and credit bureaus treat multiple mortgage inquiries in a short window as one. The information is worth far more than a few points.
Find the house first, then figure out the money.
The truth: Backwards. In a competitive market, sellers take offers with pre-approvals seriously. Money first means you shop with confidence and can move fast when the right one shows up.
Student loans mean you can’t buy.
The truth: Student debt is factored into your debt-to-income ratio like any other payment — it rarely disqualifies you on its own. Alex runs the actual math instead of assuming the worst.
The path
Six steps from "someday" to keys
01
Have the conversation
Text or call Alex. Tell him where you are — even if that’s "we have no idea what we’re doing." That’s a normal, great starting point.
02
Get pre-approved
A short application and some documents. You’ll know your real budget and have a letter that makes sellers take your offer seriously.
03
Set your comfortable budget
What you qualify for and what feels good monthly are different numbers. Alex helps you find the payment you’ll actually be happy living with.
04
Shop with your agent
Tour houses, ask questions, take your time. Your pre-approval means you can offer the moment the right one appears.
05
Go under contract
Offer accepted! Now Alex’s team runs the loan: appraisal, processing, underwriting. You’ll always know exactly what’s happening and what’s next.
06
Clear to close → keys
Final numbers, final signatures, and the best part: the keys. Welcome home.
Nebraska's best-kept secret
NIFA: real down payment help for qualified buyers
The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority offers programs that pair your mortgage with down payment and closing cost assistance — for first-time buyers, buyers in targeted areas, and qualified veterans and active military. Income and purchase-price limits apply, and a homebuyer education course is part of the process.
Alex works with these programs and handles the pairing for you — including telling you honestly if a NIFA program isn't your best option.
How NIFA assistance works →Money questions
The five questions every first-timer asks
How much money do I actually need to buy a first home in Nebraska?
Less than most people assume. Between low-down-payment programs (3–3.5%), $0-down VA/USDA options, seller-paid closing cost strategies, and NIFA assistance for qualified buyers, many Nebraska first-timers close with far less cash than the mythical 20%. The honest answer depends on price and program — which is a quick conversation with Alex.
What credit score do I need?
Many conventional programs start around 620, and FHA guidelines can go into the 580s. Pricing improves as scores rise, but you do not need perfect credit — and if you’re close, Alex can point you at the fastest ways to improve before you apply.
What is NIFA and can it really help with my down payment?
NIFA is the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority — the state’s housing agency. For qualified buyers, its Homebuyer Assistance program pairs a first mortgage with help toward down payment and closing costs. Income and purchase-price limits apply, and a homebuyer education course is required.
Should I pay off all my debt before buying?
Not necessarily. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, not a zero balance. Sometimes paying off one specific account changes everything; sometimes your savings are better kept for the down payment. This is exactly the math Alex runs with you.
How long does buying a first home take?
Pre-approval can be same-day once your documents are in. From accepted offer to keys is typically about 30 days with a well-run loan. The house-hunting part in the middle is entirely up to you.
Your first home starts with one text.
No prep needed, no perfect credit required, no dumb questions possible. Just tell Alex where you're starting from.