First-Time Buyers
First-Time Home Buyer Guide
A clear, step-by-step path from pre-approval to keys — with realistic numbers.
Who This Is For
Anyone buying their first home in Southern California.
Problem Solved
A clear, step-by-step path from pre-approval to keys, with realistic numbers.
Why Linh Nguyen
First-time buyers are the core of Linh's practice — patient, honest, education-first guidance.
Next Step
Get pre-approved, then book a free buyer consultation with Linh.
What You Actually Need
Three Things Stand Between You And A Pre-Approval
A lender pre-approval, funds for the down payment plus roughly 2%–3% in closing costs, and stable, documented income. Credit of 620+ typically opens conventional financing; 580+ opens FHA.
- Down payment: 3% conventional, 3.5% FHA, 0% VA (for eligible veterans)
- Closing costs: 2%–3% of purchase price (often offset by a seller credit)
- Reserves: 1–2 months of payments for most loan programs
- Documents: 2 years of tax returns or W-2s, 30 days of pay stubs, 2 months of bank statements
How Linh Protects First-Time Buyers
Offers Written With The Contingencies That Actually Matter
Inspection, appraisal, and loan contingencies protect you — Linh doesn't recommend waiving them just to look competitive. Repair and closing credits are negotiated after inspections, based on what the inspection actually finds, rather than assumed away before you even see the report.
What Happens Next
Book A Free Consultation
Linh reviews your budget, connects you with a vetted local lender, and builds a target list of homes and cities that fit your payment — no obligation, no pressure.
Next Step
See The Full Home Buying Process
Curious exactly what happens from your first conversation to getting your keys? Read the full step-by-step breakdown.
View The Buying ProcessQuestions & Answers
Frequently Asked
How do I buy my first home in Southern California?
Start with a lender pre-approval, set a target price and city, tour homes with a buyer's agent, write an offer supported by recent comparable sales, open escrow, complete inspections and the appraisal, then sign and fund at closing. The process typically takes 30–45 days from an accepted offer to keys. Linh Nguyen, Realtor® (DRE #02440191) with Frontier Realty Inc., guides first-time buyers through every step in English or Vietnamese.
How much down payment do I actually need?
Conventional loans start at 3% down for qualified first-time buyers, FHA loans require 3.5% down, and VA loans allow 0% down for eligible veterans. Down payment assistance programs can cover part of that amount for buyers who qualify.
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
580 is the minimum for a 3.5%-down FHA loan (500–579 requires 10% down), 620 is the typical conventional minimum, and 740 or above unlocks the best conventional pricing.
How much are closing costs?
Buyers typically pay 2%–3% of the purchase price in closing costs — lender fees, escrow, title insurance, appraisal, and prepaid taxes and insurance. Closing costs can often be reduced with a seller credit negotiated into the offer.
Get In Touch
Ready To Take The First Step?
There's no such thing as a silly question. Reach out and let's talk about where you are in your journey to homeownership.
📞 (657) 846-8002 (USA)
📞 +84 975 88 11 55 (Vietnam)
✉️ linhn.realtor@gmail.com
