First-Time Homebuyers
Your first home, explained one plain step at a time.
See what I qualify forBuying your first home is a lot of new words at once. Dakotah's favorite clients are first-time buyers, because she gets to take the scary part out of it. You will know what you qualify for, what you will pay each month, and what cash you need to close before you ever fall in love with a house.
Is this a good fit for you?
- You have not owned a home in the last three years
- You want a real number before you start touring
- You are not sure how much down payment you really need
- You want someone who answers the text on a Saturday
How it works with Dakotah
1. Start with a real pre-approval
Not a guess from a website. Dakotah reviews income, assets and credit so the number you shop with holds up when you write an offer.
2. Match the program to you
FHA, conventional with as little as 3% down, VA, USDA and down payment help all work differently. She lays them side by side so you can pick.
3. Plan the cash to close
Down payment is only part of it. You will see an estimate of closing costs, prepaid items and reserves early, so nothing surprises you.
4. Close on time
Her whole reputation is built on closing on time. You get updates at every step and a straight answer when you ask.
What to have ready
- Last two years of W-2s or tax returns
- 30 days of pay stubs
- Two months of bank statements
- A photo ID
Do not have all of it yet? That is fine. Start the conversation and Dakotah will tell you exactly what she needs and when.
“Most first-time buyers think they need 20% down. Many programs ask for far less. The best first step is a fifteen minute call so we can look at your real picture, not a rule of thumb.”
Dakotah Kutz, NMLS #1568471Why people choose Dakotah
Plenty of lenders can quote a rate. What clients talk about is the experience. Dakotah answers fast, explains each step in plain words, and keeps your agent in the loop so nobody is guessing. When a file gets complicated, a job change, a gift, a tricky appraisal, she finds a way through it instead of handing you a list of reasons it will not work.
She also looks past the first loan. If an FHA loan gets you in the door today, she will tell you when a refinance might make sense later. If you are buying a rental, she thinks about the next one too. That long view is why so many of her clients come back and send their friends.
Try Loan Match
Not sure this is the one? Answer six quick questions and see which programs line up for you.
Tap your answers and your best fit loans show up here.
Questions people ask
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the program. Some conventional loans allow 3% down for first-time buyers, FHA starts at 3.5% with qualifying credit, and VA and USDA can be zero down for people who qualify. Down payment help may cover part of the rest.
Will checking my options hurt my credit?
A pre-approval uses a credit check. Dakotah will tell you before anything is pulled, and you can talk through options first without one.
Can I buy if I have student loans?
Often yes. What matters is how your monthly payments compare to your income. Dakotah will run it with you.
Other loans to compare
Dakotah explains it in a minute.
From her TikTok, where she breaks this down for 46K followers.
Talk to Dakotah about first-time homebuyers.
She will look at your full picture and tell you straight if this is the right program.