Buying
From pre-approval to keys, with one advisor the whole way
As your real estate broker and mortgage broker, I coordinate your purchase and arrange financing through lenders — keeping your offer and financing in sync.
First Choice Mortgage & Real Estate, DBA of First Choice Mortgage Inc. Corporate DRE #01494531 | Company NMLS #245058.
Patti McCormick — licensed as Patricia Luise McCormick. Individual DRE #01477745 | Individual NMLS #244111.
Main office of record, as listed with the California Department of Real Estate (individual license #01477745): 9431 Haven Ave, Ste 523, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730.
The path
Six steps to the front door
- 01
Get pre-approved
We review your income, assets, and credit to help determine your financing options and, when qualified, provide a pre-approval letter. You'll know your price range and your estimated monthly payment before you tour anything.
- 02
Define the search
Neighborhoods, commute, schools, must-haves versus nice-to-haves. I set up instant alerts so you see new listings the day they hit the market.
- 03
Tour and evaluate
We look at condition, comparable sales, and what the home should actually appraise for — not just how it photographs.
- 04
Write a strong offer
Price, contingencies, timelines and terms structured to win without overpaying. I help coordinate the financing and purchase process, keeping everyone informed and working toward a smooth closing.
- 05
Inspections and appraisal
Trusted inspectors, a clear repair-request strategy, and appraisal management if the value comes in short.
- 06
Close and move in
Final walkthrough, signing, funding, keys. One point of contact the entire way.
First-time buyers
You have more options than you think
Down payment assistance, gift funds, seller credits, and low-down-payment programs mean the down payment myth stops far too many qualified buyers.
Down payment assistance may be available
State and local down payment assistance programs may help qualified buyers cover some or all of the down payment — and in some cases closing costs too. Eligibility, program availability, and lender requirements apply, and funds are often limited, so it's worth checking what you may qualify for early in the process.
A lower down payment does not mean there are no other costs. Closing costs may still apply even with a 0% down payment — lender, title, escrow, appraisal, and recording charges, plus prepaid items such as property taxes and homeowners insurance. Some of these can be credited, financed, or covered by an assistance program where the program and lender allow. Ask for a written estimate of your down payment and closing costs before you make an offer.
- Conventional loan programs with down payment options as low as 3%, for borrowers who meet the program's credit, income, and occupancy guidelines.
- FHA loan programs with down payment options as low as 3.5%, subject to lender approval and property eligibility.
- 0% down payment options may be available to eligible VA and USDA borrowers, based on service eligibility, income limits, and the property's location.
- State and local down payment assistance programs where available, subject to program funding, eligibility rules, and lender approval.
- Gift funds from family, documented properly so underwriting accepts them.
- Seller-paid closing costs negotiated into your offer, where the loan program and the seller allow them.
- A written credit-improvement plan if you're not quite ready yet.
These options are subject to borrower qualifications, property eligibility, lender guidelines, and program availability, and they vary by borrower, property, and location. The 3%, 3.5%, and 0% figures are program minimums, not amounts you must pay, and are not an offer, an approval, or a commitment to lend. Closing costs are separate from the down payment and may apply even when no down payment is required. Programs and terms are subject to change.
Questions
Buyer FAQs
How much cash do I actually need?+
Down payment plus closing costs. Closing costs vary depending on the loan program, property, lender, and transaction. Eligible down payment assistance programs may reduce the cash needed to purchase, and some programs allow seller credits or gift funds to cover much of it. I'll give you a written estimate before you shop.
Do buyers pay agent commission?+
Buyer agent compensation is negotiable and is disclosed in writing before we tour homes. We'll go over exactly how it works and who pays what in your market.
Is now a good time to buy?+
The honest answer depends on your timeline and your payment comfort, not on a headline. If you plan to stay five or more years and the payment fits your budget, waiting for a perfect market rarely pays off.
What if I own a home I need to sell first?+
We coordinate both transactions on one timeline. Bridge financing and other purchase-before-sale options depend on qualification and availability — I'll walk you through what may work for your situation, including contingent offers and rent-back arrangements.
Service area
Where I work
Serving Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, the Inland Empire, and surrounding communities.
- Fontana, CA
- Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- Ontario, CA
- Upland, CA
- Rialto, CA
- Chino, CA
- Chino Hills, CA
- Claremont, CA
- Corona, CA
- Riverside, CA
- San Bernardino, CA
- Redlands, CA
- Eastvale, CA
- Yucaipa, CA
Office at 9431 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. Don't see your city? Call (909) 910-2634 — I arrange mortgage financing throughout California.
Ready to take the first step toward homeownership?
Every situation is different. Tell me what you're planning and I'll map out the numbers, the timing, and the options — with no pressure.
First Choice Mortgage & Real Estate, DBA of First Choice Mortgage Inc. Corporate DRE #01494531 | Company NMLS #245058.
Patti McCormick — licensed as Patricia Luise McCormick. Individual DRE #01477745 | Individual NMLS #244111.
Main office of record, as listed with the California Department of Real Estate (individual license #01477745): 9431 Haven Ave, Ste 523, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730.