Buying your first house. Let's do it right.

Nobody teaches you how to buy a house. Not high school. Not college. Not your parents, probably. That's fine. That's where I come in.

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Top 1% of agents in Lincoln · Marine veteran · Acreage specialist

What first-time buyers actually need to know

You don't need 20% down. You don't need perfect credit. You don't need to be making six figures.

You need a plan, a lender you can trust, an agent who'll explain everything twice if you need it, and a clear view of what you can actually afford (hint: it's not what the bank tells you you're "approved for").

My job is to be the guide who's already walked this road a hundred times.

The first-time buyer process

  1. We talk: 15 minutes. You tell me your situation. I tell you what's realistic.
  2. Lender intro: I connect you with a lender who's good with first-time buyers. No pressure to use them, but they know what they're doing.
  3. Pre-approval: we get you a real number, not just a Zillow guess.
  4. House tour education: we look at a handful of houses not to buy, but so you learn what you're looking at. What's a $300K house actually look like? Now you know.
  5. The real search: now we're looking for your house, with a trained eye.
  6. Offer: I write it. I negotiate. I protect you.
  7. Inspection: I walk through it with you. I explain what's actually a problem and what's not.
  8. Closing: my team handles the paperwork. You show up, sign, get keys.

VA loans and first-time buyers

I'm a Marine veteran. VA loans are a regular part of my practice. If you're active duty, a veteran, or military family, we'll use every advantage the VA loan gives you, including zero down payment and no PMI.

See also: Veterans / VA loan realtor in Lincoln NE.

Tell me what you're looking for

No listing spam. A short list that actually fits, from an agent who knows Lincoln.

Common questions

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Lincoln NE?

For most conventional loans, 620+. For FHA, 580+. For VA, often 580+. Your lender can get specific, and some situations work with lower scores. Don't write yourself off without checking.

How much do I need for a down payment?

Conventional: often 3–5%. FHA: 3.5%. VA: 0%. USDA (rural): 0%. There are also Nebraska first-time buyer programs that offer down payment assistance. Worth exploring.

What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?

Pre-qualified is a quick estimate based on what you tell the lender. Pre-approved means they've actually verified your income, assets, and credit. You need pre-approval to make a serious offer in Lincoln.

What closing costs should I expect as a first-time buyer in Lincoln?

Typically 2–4% of the purchase price. On a $250,000 home, that's roughly $5,000–$10,000. Some of it is negotiable. Some can be rolled into the loan. We'll go through every line item before you get to closing.

Can I buy a house with student loan debt?

Usually yes. Lenders calculate a debt-to-income ratio: if your monthly student loan payment plus proposed mortgage stays under their threshold, you're fine. There are also loan programs designed for borrowers with student loans.

How long does it take to buy a house in Lincoln NE?

From pre-approval to closing, typically 45–60 days. Faster if you're ready, slower if you're being picky (which is fine).

Let's map it out together.

Free 15-minute call. No judgment. No pressure. Just straight answers.

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That's where I come in.