YOUR FIRST HOME
IS CLOSER
THAN YOU THINK.
Most first-time buyers don't realize they qualify for down payment assistance — programs that have already helped thousands of families just like yours. Find out what's possible in 2 minutes.
Takes 2 minutes · No credit impact · No obligation
YOU PROBABLY QUALIFY
FOR MORE THAN
YOU THINK.
Most first-time buyers walk in assuming they need 20% down, perfect credit, and years of savings. That's the old playbook. Today, there are over 2,000 down payment assistance programs nationwide — and most buyers never hear about them.
You don't have to be in extreme hardship. You don't need a perfect score. You just need someone who knows where to look.
Many first-time buyer programs require as little as 3% down — some even less.
FHA loans accept credit scores starting at 580 — far lower than most assume.
Many qualifying buyers receive grants or forgivable loans toward their down payment.
First-time buyers ask everything. That's exactly what I'm here for.
FROM "WHERE DO I START?"
TO KEYS IN HAND.
Five simple steps. No surprises. I'll be next to you the entire way.
Quick Chat
A 15-minute conversation. No pressure, no commitment. We just talk about your goals and answer your questions.
Pre-Qualify
A soft check that tells you exactly what you can afford. No credit impact. Takes about 2 minutes.
House Hunt
With your pre-approval letter in hand, you shop with confidence. Sellers take you seriously.
Lock & Process
Found the one? We lock your rate, handle the paperwork, and keep you updated every single step.
Closing Day
You sign. You get the keys. We celebrate. Average close time: 21 days from contract.
A 90-SECOND INTRO TO
DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE
A 90-Second Intro to Down Payment Assistance
Larry Steinway · New American Funding
WHAT COULD YOUR
MONTHLY PAYMENT
LOOK LIKE?
No more guessing. No more "I think I can afford..." conversations. Plug in real numbers and see where you actually stand. Your information stays private — this is just for you.
THEY DIDN'T THINK
THEY COULD EITHER.
"I genuinely thought I'd be renting forever. Larry walked me through an IHDA program I'd never heard of and I closed on my Skokie condo with $4,200 out of pocket. He answered every dumb question I had — and I had a LOT."
"Two banks told me my credit wasn't strong enough. Larry's team got me into an FHA loan with a 622 score and a 3.5% down payment. We closed in 24 days. I'm a homeowner because of him — that's not an exaggeration."
"My husband and I had been saving for 4 years and still felt clueless. Larry sat with us for an hour explaining everything in plain English. No jargon, no pressure. We got the keys to our first house in Niles last spring."
SEE WHAT
YOU QUALIFY
FOR — RIGHT
NOW.
Tell me a little about your situation and I'll come back with a clear picture: what loan programs fit you, what assistance you may qualify for, and what your monthly payment would actually look like.
30 YEARS OF
GETTING FIRST-TIMERS
THROUGH THE DOOR.
I'm Larry Steinway — VP of Residential Lending at New American Funding and a 30-year veteran of the mortgage industry. But here's the part that actually matters: I genuinely love helping first-time buyers.
You're not a transaction to me. You're someone navigating one of the biggest decisions of your life, probably for the first time. I'll explain everything in plain English, walk you through your options without rushing, and tell you the truth — even when it's "wait six months and save a bit more." That's how trust gets built.
WHY BUYERS TRUST LARRY
EVERYTHING YOU'RE
AFRAID TO ASK.
Do I really qualify for down payment assistance?
More buyers qualify than realize it. There are over 2,000 down payment assistance programs in the U.S., and many serve households earning solid middle-class incomes — not just hardship cases. Eligibility usually depends on income, location, and whether you're a first-time buyer (which can mean you haven't owned in the last 3 years). The only way to know for sure is to check.
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
FHA loans accept credit scores starting at 580 with 3.5% down, and some programs go even lower. Conventional loans typically start around 620. Don't disqualify yourself before we look — I've helped buyers across the credit spectrum, and there's almost always a path forward.
Will checking my eligibility hurt my credit score?
No. The initial pre-qualification is a soft inquiry — it doesn't show up on your credit report and doesn't affect your score. A hard pull only happens later if you decide to move forward with a full pre-approval, and even then, mortgage shopping inquiries within a 45-day window are typically counted as a single inquiry.
How much do I really need for a down payment?
The 20% rule is a myth for first-time buyers. Conventional loans go as low as 3% down, FHA at 3.5%, and VA/USDA loans (if you qualify) require zero down. Combined with down payment assistance programs, many buyers walk into closing with under $5,000 out of pocket.
How long does the whole process take?
Pre-qualification: about 2 minutes. Full pre-approval: 24-48 hours once you send documents. From accepted offer to closing: my team averages 21 days. Compared to the industry average of 40+ days, that's a meaningful edge when you're competing with other buyers.
What if I have student loan debt?
Student loans absolutely don't disqualify you. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio overall, not just student loans. I've helped plenty of buyers with $50K, $80K, even $100K+ in student debt buy their first home. The math usually works out better than people expect.
YOU'RE CLOSER THAN
YOU THINK. FIND OUT.
Two minutes from right now, you could know exactly where you stand. No commitment. No credit impact. Just clarity — the thing first-time buyers need most.
2 minutes · No credit impact · 100% confidential
BUYERS DON'T JUST TRUST US.
THEY TELL THEIR FRIENDS.
Numbers that matter when you're choosing who to trust with the biggest purchase of your life.
14 buyers prequalified this week. Most thought they couldn't afford a home until they ran the numbers with Larry. Two minutes is all it takes to find out where you really stand.
