Buying your first home is a big milestone — and there’s no reason to do it alone. At The Friendly Lender, we make sure you get the right loan for your situation, not just whatever a bank is selling.
With so many options available, our job is to guide you toward what truly fits your budget, your timeline, and your goals. Whether you're just starting out or ready to move forward, we’re here to help.
For a first-time buyer, the purchase of a home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. While there is a lot to do, one of your very first steps should be to get qualified for a loan. This will give you a realistic idea of what price home you can afford, along with actual monthly costs for your mortgage, property tax and insurance. Without this step you will not know whether the homes you like are within your reach.
One of the first questions a good agent will ask is how much you are qualified for. This shows an agent you are a serious buyer. It is a waste of both your time and the agent’s to guess at what price home you can afford. With the qualification an agent can narrow down neighborhoods in your price range and allow you to quickly put in an offer on a home that you want. A qualification letter from a lender like me strengthens your purchase offer as the seller knows you can get a loan for the purchase price.
Whether you're looking for low-down-payment loans in Los Angeles or exploring first-time buyer loans in Glendale, I’ll help you cut through the noise and keep things simple.
Qualifying for a Loan
Let’s Talk About Getting Qualified
Getting qualified for a loan doesn’t have to be a big, stressful thing. But there is a right way to do it. A lot of folks walk into a bank, chat with someone nice behind the desk, and leave thinking they’re all set — but that person isn’t the one who actually approves your loan.
That’s where I come in. I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I know the rules lenders really care about. When I run your numbers, I’m not guessing. I’m giving you a clear picture of what’s possible and what might need adjusting to get there.
Here’s the difference: when I say you’re qualified, you can count on it. I’ve never had a client I pre-qualified get turned down later.
As a broker, I’m not limited to just one lender. I have access to a wide range of first-time home buyer loans in Glendale, mortgage options in Pasadena, and beyond. I’ll help you find something with the down payment and monthly payment that actually works for your life, not just what looks good on paper.
Call or text me at 818-640-1061. If I don’t pick up right away, leave a message — I personally return every call. You can also email me if that’s easier. Just let me know what works for you.
It's a Simple Process
We'll guide you along the entire way. We value the relationship and want to ensure your experience is a exceeds the norm.
Not all loans are created equal, and definitely not all of them are right for a first-time buyer. The trick isn’t finding a loan... it’s finding the right one for your specific situation.
That’s what I do.
When you work with a broker like me, you’re not stuck with one lender’s product. I can check offers from multiple lenders and help you figure out which one actually makes sense, not just today, but long-term too.
Here’s what we’ll look at together:
Loan types that work well for first-time buyers (FHA, Conventional, etc.)
Low down payment options for buyers in Los Angeles and nearby areas
Fixed vs. adjustable rates — and what they mean for your monthly payment
How your credit score affects your loan and what you can do to improve it
What fees to expect, and which ones we can lower or avoid
If you’re exploring first-time buyer loans in Glendale or looking at homes in Pasadena or Burbank, I’ll break down your options in plain English — no jargon, no pressure.
Let’s get you a loan that works for you, not the other way around.
How Much Can You Actually Afford? Let’s Break It Down
You’ve probably played with those online mortgage calculators... but they don’t tell the whole story. Real affordability isn’t just about the house price — it’s about your lifestyle, comfort, and long-term stability.
Here’s how I help you figure out what really works:
We look at your income, debts, and monthly expenses
We go over how much you’ve saved for a down payment
We estimate realistic monthly payments, including taxes and insurance
I help you understand what’s possible now, and what might be with a few tweaks
A lot of first-time buyers come to me thinking they can’t afford much. But with the right strategy — and access to low-down payment loans in Los Angeles — they’re surprised at what’s possible.
And if you’re not quite ready? No big deal.
We’ll put together a simple, actionable plan to help you get there, whether you’re buying in Glendale, Burbank, or anywhere nearby.
Ready to Take the First Step? Let’s Connect.
Not sure where to start? That’s okay. You don’t need all the answers right now — that’s what I’m here for.
Whether you’re just curious, seriously house hunting, or somewhere in between, we can have a quick, honest conversation about your options as a first-time home buyer.
I’ll help you figure out what you can afford
Walk you through your loan choices
And give you a clear next step — no sales pitch
Call or text me at 818-640-1061. (If I miss your call, just leave a message — I always call back.) Or email me at david@thefriendlylender.com. Let’s make it easier.
In the pre-approval stage, we'll help you secure financing by obtaining a mortgage pre-approval. With a pre-approval letter in hand, you'll gain a competitive edge in the home buying market and demonstrate to sellers that you're a serious and qualified buyer. Our team of mortgage experts will work closely with you to explore your financing options, determine your budget, and streamline the pre-approval process, making your home buying journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
House Hunting
Once you have your pre-approval letter, let the housing hunting begin! At this stage of the game, you've possibly already found some homes that you are interested in or are working with your agent on finding the perfect home that suits your needs!
Lock & Appraise
You've found your home, and now it's time to secure your financing and move one step closer to closing. In the lock and appraise stage, we'll help you lock in your mortgage interest rate and complete the home appraisal process. Our team of mortgage professionals will guide you through the necessary paperwork, coordinate with the appraiser, and ensure that all requirements are met to finalize your loan approval. With our expertise and attention to detail, you can rest assured that your financing is on track, and you're one step closer to making your dream home a reality.
Underwriting
In this critical phase, our team will work diligently behind the scenes to finalize your mortgage loan and prepare for closing. Our underwriters will carefully review your financial documents, verify your employment and income, and assess the property's value to ensure compliance with lending guidelines. While underwriting may seem daunting, our experienced team will guide you through the process, address any questions or concerns, and keep you informed every step of the way, so you can approach closing with confidence and peace of mind.
Closing Time
The moment you've been waiting for has arrived – it's closing time! In this final stage of your home buying journey, you'll sign the necessary paperwork, pay closing costs, and officially take ownership of your new home. Our team will coordinate with all parties involved, including the title company, escrow agent, and lender, to ensure a smooth and seamless closing process. As you embark on this exciting new chapter in your life, we'll be here to celebrate with you and provide ongoing support as you settle into your new home. Congratulations on achieving your dream of homeownership!
My fiancé and I were first time home buyers and were brought to David through Yelp and his great reviews. After working with David, it is clear why he is so highly rated and we wanted to add our own experience and thanks.
As first time buyers, a realtor friend said that the first step was to get in contact with a Mortgage Broker. After first contacting David, he offered to come over to our place after we got off work to explain the mortgage process and how he could help. During our search, David was quick to deliver the pre-approval letters and when our offer was accepted,
David moved quickly on the loan approval process. He helped answer several of my detailed questions during each phase of the transaction, ensuring I was comfortable with the process. I was particularly impressed with his patience and the timeliness of his responses, once receiving an answer to several questions within minutes very late at night. I felt like I could reach out to David at any time of the day and on weekends and he would be there to assist.
Not only were we impressed with the rate David was able to lock in for our loan, but also for the constant communication he had with our realtor about where we were with receiving the loan. Our realtor regularly said during the purchasing process ‘thanks for introducing me to David, I will use his services again.’ My fiance and I would one hundred percent agree!
Jeff J., First-Time Home Buyer
My clientele can attest to my reputation as a reliable and approachable advisor dedicated to serving your best interests.
