As one of the realtors certified with the KC Home Programs referenced below, I can tell you that new grants become available every quarter. These can be federal, state, city, or private. Monies allotted are granted on a first come, first served basis. When the monies for that quarter are spent, that particular grant is not available until the next quarter when more monies are dispersed. If your credit score is greater than 720, there may be some zero down mortgages left. There are multiple programs available for firefighters, teachers, recent college graduates, medical residents, and many more. Any of the realtors on the KCHomeProgram site can assist you with selecting the best lender for your particular situation.

Fri May 9 2008, 22:27

As a Realtor, I always advise my first time home buyers to use a mortgage lender that they can deal with face to face. You need someone who will be there to answer your questions in person, to explain things as they come up and who is able to sit at the closing table with you when you purchase your home so if there is ANYTHING wrong with the closing docs, it can be corrected immediately.

Mon May 5 2008, 21:42

My name is Jason and I am a broker at Equity 1 Mortgage with a perfect record with the Better Business Bureau. I am local and would love to discuss further your options for your first home purchase. Being a broker allows me to shop all lenders to get you the best deal the market offers. Feel free to email me at jdraut@equity1mortgage-kc.com or contact me directly at 816-777-5098 xt. 101 with questions or time to set up an appointment.

Sun Apr 27 2008, 21:06

I have had great luck with a couple of different lenders. If you would like to contact me, I can get your started on the right path.

Sat Apr 26 2008, 07:56

I agree that asking friends and family about their experiences is one way. The KCHOMEPROGRAMS website is also good and gives descriptions of the various loan programs. Your real estate professional may also have suggestions for lending professionals that they have had experience with. You should get more than one opinion. You should be able to get face to face with the person you are dealing with. I would recommend a face to face meeting just so you know who are dealing with.

Fri Apr 25 2008, 09:58

Excellent credit opens up alternatives other than FHA. Fannie Mae has an incentive program for 750 plus credit scores. I, however, would talk to a local credit union, because they often have loan programs for very good credit with longstanding employment if you open an account with them that will not have PMI or MIP associated with the loan costs or monthly payment. If you do have to go with 100% financing requiring PMI, be sure to track your value and get an updated appraisal after your Loan to Value ratio reaches 80%. You can eliminate this premium anytime after one year with a conventional mortgage, but with FHA you can not eliminate the premium until after five years.

Fri Apr 18 2008, 11:06

The Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors is promoting a web site to help buyers find loan programs to fit their needs. You might want to check it out at: www.KCHomePrograms.com. If you can come up with about $5000 or more, your best bet is probably an FHA loan with 3% down. Sometimes sellers will assist with closing costs. Many lenders are qualified to provide FHA financing for you.

Thu Apr 17 2008, 18:13

Start with the bank that you currently use. Talk to your friends who have recently bought and Most Importantly, talk to the Realtor who is guiding you - they will know what Mortgage lenders work well with first time home buyers and they will have a stack of business cards from mortgage lenders that their past clients have been happy with.

Thu Apr 17 2008, 11:22

Start by asking your friends/family for a loan officer that did a good job for them. Or check with a real estate agent that you are using. Get pre-qualified to see exactly what you can afford. Sounds like FHA might be a great way for you to go. There are other loan options out there, as well.

Feel free to email or call me and I can provide you with the names of three loan officers that have done a great job for my clients in the past.

Thu Apr 17 2008, 10:47