How much do I need saved?

Less than you probably think, and assistance programs can narrow the gap further. Rather than give you a number that may not apply, we would rather look at your actual situation.

Does my student debt disqualify me?

Almost never on its own. How student debt is calculated varies by program, and choosing the right program is part of what we do.

How long does pre-approval take?

Often the same day. Several of our clients had theirs in hand within an hour of first contact.

First-Time Buyer & Down Payment Assistance

You are not behind. You just haven't been shown the options.

Most first-time buyers assume the barrier is the down payment. Often the real barrier is that nobody has ever walked them through what exists. State and local assistance programs, gift fund rules, and buyer credits are all on the table.

See if I qualify Call 708-888-1518

A couple standing in the sunlit empty living room of a home they have just bought, moving boxes stacked nearby

Who this is for

Anyone who has never owned a home, or hasn't owned one in several years
Buyers who have been saving but don't feel they've saved enough
People who find the whole process opaque and slightly humiliating

Assistance programs, mapped
Illinois has real down payment assistance available, and so do most of the states we lend in. We check what you qualify for before you start looking at houses.
Three options, not one
Jason from Sandwich came in with no idea what existed and left with three routes to compare. That is the standard.
Plain English, always
Nobody is going to make you feel stupid for asking what escrow means.
Pre-approval that agents respect
A real pre-approval letter, fast, so you can compete for the house you actually want.

Common questions

The things people
actually ask.

How much do I need saved?: Less than you probably think, and assistance programs can narrow the gap further. Rather than give you a number that may not apply, we would rather look at your actual situation.
Does my student debt disqualify me?: Almost never on its own. How student debt is calculated varies by program, and choosing the right program is part of what we do.
How long does pre-approval take?: Often the same day. Several of our clients had theirs in hand within an hour of first contact.

Ask about First-time buyer

Two quick questions to start. A licensed loan officer calls you back — usually within minutes.

1/3

Equal Housing
Lender
NMLS #1660690Sam Ahmed #221307
Licensed in 27 statesPowered by NEXA Mortgage, LLC

From people in the same position

“Most mortgage sites feel like talking to a robot. Homeland felt like talking to a neighbor. They explained the difference between FHA and Conventional in plain English so I could choose what was best.”
Sarah M.Joliet, IL
“Speed is an understatement. We were in a bidding war in Oswego and needed a pre-approval letter on a Sunday evening. Sam picked up the phone and got it done. We won the house.”
Daniel L.Oswego, IL
“Homeland was quick! I literally was able to get my approval in 10 minutes and began shopping for my home the next day!”
David J.Chicago, IL