First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage in Hampton Roads
Every Program. Zero Surprises.
Most first-time buyers are confused before they call Brian and confident by the time they close.
He explains every step, finds every program you qualify for that you probably didn’t know about, and makes sure the closing table holds no surprises.
Your bank will offer you one loan program at one rate.
As a licensed mortgage broker in Hampton Roads, Brian shops your first-time buyer mortgage across dozens of wholesale lenders, not just the first option that fits.
That means a lower rate than your bank can offer, access to programs your bank may not participate in, and the flexibility to approve loans that feel impossible to a single-institution lender.
The Broker Advantage For First Time Home Buyers
Exclusive Offer
Use the Riverstone Team
We Cover Your Appraisal and Inspection
When you work with Riverstone Mortgage for your loan and use one of our recommended real estate agents and title company, we pay for both your home appraisal and inspection out of pocket. That's typically $700–$1,100 in savings on your closing costs.
Programs Brian Surfaces for First-Time Buyers, Including the Ones Most Buyers Don’t Know About
The first thing Brian does on a first-time buyer call is map out every program the buyer actually qualifies for, before they have committed to a down payment number or a purchase price.
Many first-time buyers significantly underestimate what is available to them.
Here is what Brian evaluates:
VHDA (Virginia Housing) Down Payment Assistance:
Virginia Housing’s down payment assistance programs can provide grants or second mortgages to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of a first home. Brian evaluates VHDA eligibility at pre-qualification.
FHA Loans:
3.5% down for buyers with qualifying credit. FHA is often the right fit for first-time buyers who have not saved 20% and whose credit is solid but not perfect. Brian compares FHA rates across wholesale lenders to find the best option.
Conventional 3% Down:
First-time buyers may qualify for conventional financing with as little as 3% down through certain programs, sometimes with lower mortgage insurance than FHA. Brian runs the comparison.
Down Payment Assistance Programs:
Multiple DPA programs are available in Hampton Roads beyond VHDA, Brian identifies which ones apply to the buyer’s specific income, location, and purchase price.
Military spouses and buyers with any VA eligibility should explore the VA option before defaulting to FHA. Brian identifies VA eligibility during the first call.
What Happens When a First-Time Buyer Calls Brian
The first call is not a sales call. Brian’s goal is to give the buyer a complete, honest picture of what they qualify for, so they can make an informed decision without pressure.
What happens in the first conversation:
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Brian reviews credit, income, and assets. He tells the buyer exactly where they stand, not a range, not a guess.
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He identifies every program the buyer qualifies for and explains what each one means for their down payment and monthly payment in plain language.
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He issues a pre-approval letter if the buyer is ready. The letter is based on real underwriting exposure, not an automated estimate. It holds at the closing table.
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He answers every question the buyer has about the process, the timeline, and what to expect at each stage.
Twice a month Team Lacey offers a live 20 minute First Time Homebuyers education session with Q&A.
Webinar For First Time Homebuyers
Situations Brian Sees Every Week With First-Time Buyers
"I have student loans. Can I still get approved?" Yes, in almost every case. The calculation depends on the loan program and the debt-to-income ratio, not the existence of student debt. Brian explains the math specifically.
"My lease is up in four months." Brian has closed first-time buyer loans within 30 to 45 days when the transaction was clean and the buyer was ready. He will tell the buyer at the first call whether the timeline is achievable.
"My credit score is okay but not great." FHA has different credit score floors than conventional. Brian identifies the right program for the actual score, not an idealized one.
"I want to buy in Chesapeake / Suffolk / Virginia Beach but I’m not sure I can afford it." Brian runs the actual numbers for the specific submarket, the specific down payment, and the actual programs that apply. Buyers routinely discover they qualify for more than they assumed.
"I don’t have a 20% down payment saved." Most first-time buyers don’t and don’t need to. Down payment assistance, FHA, and conventional 3% down programs exist precisely for this.
Riverstone Mortgage — Hampton Roads, Virginia
Brian Lacey • Branch Manager • NMLS #13008
Riverstone Mortgage • Hampton Roads, VA • Equal Housing Lender • All loans subject to credit approval and qualification. This is not a commitment to lend. Appraisal and inspection offer subject to use of Riverstone Mortgage and a Riverstone-referred real estate agent for the same transaction. Not available in all situations. Ask a Riverstone loan officer for complete details.