Your First Home Starts With Clear, Local Guidance

Buying your first home is a big step, but you do not have to figure it out alone. Somerset Trust can help you understand your options, get prequalified, and move forward with a local mortgage lender by your side.

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Understand Your Buying Power

Before you start touring homes, getting prequalified can help you understand your budget, explore possible loan options, and feel more prepared when the right home comes along.

Know What May Fit Your Budget

Getting prequalified can provide an estimate of how much home you may be able to afford, helping you focus your search and set realistic expectations from the start.
Shop With More Confidence

Understanding your potential financing options before you begin looking can make the home search process feel less overwhelming and more manageable.
Understand Your Options Earlier

A Somerset Trust mortgage lender can help explain available loan programs, down payment requirements, and assistance options that may fit your situation.
Be Ready When You Find the Right Home

When you discover a home you love, having your financial picture already reviewed can help you move forward with greater confidence and fewer surprises.

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Your First Homebuying Journey

Buying your first home can feel like a lot at once. Our local mortgage team can help you understand each step, prepare for what comes next, and move toward closing with more confidence.

Get Prequalified

Start by sharing your financial information so your lender can help you understand what may fit your budget.
Find Your Home

Shop with a clearer picture of your options and work with your real estate agent to make an offer.
Apply and Gather Documents

Complete your application and provide the documents needed for underwriting and loan review.
Close and Move In

Review final details, sign your closing documents, and get ready to settle into your first home.

Explore First-Time Homebuyer Options

Every buyer’s situation is different. Somerset Trust can help you compare mortgage programs, understand eligibility, and find a path that leads you to your first home.

PHFA Keystone / K-FIT

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) programs may help eligible Pennsylvania buyers with home financing and possible down payment or closing cost assistance.

Best for

Qualified first-time buyers who may benefit from Pennsylvania-based mortgage assistance.

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USDA Rural Housing

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans may help qualified buyers purchase eligible homes in rural communities, sometimes with little or no down payment.

Best for

Buyers looking for a home in an eligible rural area.

FHA Loans

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans may offer more flexible credit guidelines and lower down payment options for qualified buyers.

Best for

First-time buyers who want flexible qualification or down payment options.

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Conventional 3% Down

This option may help qualified first-time buyers purchase a home with a lower down payment than many traditional loans.

Best for

Buyers who may qualify for conventional financing but have limited funds for a down payment.

First Front Door

First Front Door may provide grant assistance for eligible first-time buyers who contribute toward down payment and closing costs.

Best for

Eligible buyers looking for additional help with upfront homebuying costs.

Need Something Different?

Every homebuyer’s situation is unique. In addition to first-time homebuyer programs, Somerset Trust offers other mortgage options that may fit specialized needs.

Manufactured Home Loans

Financing options may be available for eligible manufactured homes, including certain single-wide and double-wide properties.

Construction & Renovation Loans

Build a new home or finance improvements with lending options designed around your project.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

An ARM may offer a lower initial rate period before future rate adjustments based on loan terms.

Get Ready for the Application

Having a few details ready can help your mortgage lender better understand your financial picture and guide you through the next step.

Income Information

Recent pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, or other documents that help show your income.
Asset Information

Bank statements and details about funds you may use for your down payment or closing costs.
Employment Information

Current employer details and work history that may be needed during loan review.
Property Information

Once you find a home, your lender can help gather the property details needed for your application.

Get Ready for the Application

Having a few details ready can help your mortgage lender better understand your financial picture and guide you through the next step.

Income Information

Recent pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, or other documents that help show your income.
Asset Information

Bank statements and details about funds you may use for your down payment or closing costs.
Employment Information

Current employer details and work history that may be needed during loan review.
Property Information

Once you find a home, your lender can help gather the property details needed for your application.

First-Time Homebuyer FAQs

Buying your first home comes with a lot of new terms, steps, and decisions. These answers can help you feel more prepared before you talk with a mortgage lender.

What does mortage prequalification mean?

Prequalification is an early step that helps estimate what you may be able to borrow based on information you provide. It can help you understand your budget before you begin shopping.

How much money do I need for a down payment?

It depends on the loan program, your eligibility, and the home you choose. Some programs may offer lower down payment options or assistance for qualified buyers.

Can I get help with closing costs?

Possibly. Some first-time homebuyer programs may offer assistance with down payment or closing costs for eligible buyers. A mortgage lender can help you review available options.

How long does the homebuying process take?

Timing can vary based on the home, loan program, documentation, appraisal, and underwriting. Your lender will help you understand what to expect at each step.