Buy a home
Buying in NJ, PA, or FL? Start with a plan.
Before you tour a single house, let’s pin down a payment you’re comfortable with, the program that fits, and exactly how much cash you’ll need at closing.
Before you shop
Three things we’ll figure out together
A payment you can live with
What you qualify for and what feels comfortable aren’t always the same number. We’ll look at both, including taxes, insurance, and HOA.
The right loan type
Conventional, FHA, VA, or a non-QM option if your income is non-traditional. The right choice depends on credit, down payment, and the property.
No surprises at the table
Down payment, closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, plus whether gift funds, seller credits, or assistance programs can help.
First-time homebuyers
Never done this before? Good. That’s most people.
Buying your first home comes with a lot of new vocabulary: pre-approval, escrow, appraisal, Closing Disclosure. I’ll walk you through each step in plain English and tell you what to expect before it happens.
A pre-approval letter based on a reviewed application makes your offer stronger with sellers and agents, and it tells you your real price range before you fall in love with a house.
What to have ready
- Pay stubs covering the last 30 days
- W-2s for the last two years
- Two most recent months of bank statements (all pages)
- Photo ID
- Tax returns for two years if you’re self-employed or earn commission
- Gift letter and donor info if family is helping
Every file is different. I’ll send a personalized list after we talk.
Down payment assistance
Help with the down payment and closing costs
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida each have state housing finance agency programs, and many counties and towns run their own. Depending on the program, assistance can come as a grant, a forgivable loan, or a deferred second mortgage.
Eligibility usually depends on income limits, purchase price limits, credit score, and completing a homebuyer education course. Funding changes during the year, so availability varies.
Worth asking about if you
- Have steady income but limited savings
- Haven’t owned a home in the last three years (many programs define “first-time” this way)
- Work in public service, education, healthcare, or the military, since some programs target these fields
- Are buying a primary residence you’ll live in
The process
What happens after you apply
Pre-approval
Application, credit review, and income and asset documents reviewed up front.
Offer accepted
Send me the contract. We choose a program and I lock your rate when you’re ready.
Appraisal & title
The lender orders the appraisal while title work and homeowners insurance get lined up.
Clear to close
Underwriting signs off on any final conditions and you receive your Closing Disclosure.
Closing day
Final walkthrough, sign the documents, and pick up the keys.
Quick quote
Let’s build your buying plan
Share a few details and I'll reach out, usually the same business day, to talk through options. This is a conversation, not an application — no Social Security number and no credit pull.
- Call/Text(609) 665-3460
- Emaildhutchison@nexalending.com
- NMLS#63021