Excited first-time home buyers with their new house keys
First-Time Home Buyers

Your First Home
Is Closer Than
You Think.

Most first-time buyers are surprised by how achievable homeownership really is. I specialize in guiding buyers through every step — from "I don't know where to start" to keys in hand.

MSHDA Down Payment Assistance FHA & Conventional Loans Patient, Step-by-Step Guidance MichRIC MLS Member
Why Homeownership

Stop Paying Rent.
Start Building Wealth.

Homeownership is the foundation of financial stability for millions of families. Here is why making the move now makes sense.

Build Equity, Not a Landlord's

Every mortgage payment builds your net worth. Renting builds someone else's. Homeownership is the single most reliable wealth-building tool available to everyday Americans.

Lock In Your Housing Cost

A fixed-rate mortgage means your principal and interest never change. No more rent increases, no more uncertainty — just stability.

Tax Advantages

Homeowners may deduct mortgage interest and property taxes, reducing their federal tax burden in ways renters simply cannot.

It's Yours to Customize

Paint the walls, plant a garden, get a dog. Your home is your space — no landlord approval required.

Financial Programs

Programs That Make
Buying Possible.

Michigan and federal programs exist specifically to help first-time buyers get into a home with less money down and more favorable terms. I help you find and use every one you qualify for.

Up to $10,000 DPA

MSHDA MI Home Loan

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority's flagship program offers a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with up to $10,000 in down payment assistance (DPA) for eligible first-time buyers statewide — and repeat buyers in targeted areas.

As low as 3.5% down

FHA Loans

Federal Housing Administration loans require as little as 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score, and as little as 10% down with scores between 500–579. More flexible debt-to-income ratios make FHA a popular choice for first-time buyers.

As low as 3% down

Conventional 97 (Fannie/Freddie)

Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible offer conventional loans with just 3% down for first-time buyers with a 620+ credit score — often with lower long-term costs than FHA once you build equity.

0% down in eligible areas

USDA Rural Development Loans

Buying in a qualifying Michigan community outside major metro areas? USDA Section 502 loans offer zero down payment, below-market rates, and reduced mortgage insurance — income limits apply.

Up to $7,500 DPA

MSHDA MI Home Loan Flex

A more flexible version of the MI Home Loan that allows repeat buyers in any Michigan county and has slightly relaxed qualifying guidelines — still paired with up to $7,500 in down payment assistance.

Required for MSHDA DPA

HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education

Completing a HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required for MSHDA DPA and may qualify you for additional assistance programs. I can connect you with free and low-cost options.

Not sure which program is right for you?
I will review your situation and identify every program you qualify for — at no cost to you.
Find My Programs
The Buying Process

From First Question
to Keys in Hand.

I break the home buying process into clear, manageable steps so you always know exactly where you are and what comes next.

01

Get Pre-Approved

Before we look at a single home, we get you pre-approved. This tells us exactly what you can afford and makes your offer competitive the moment you find the right home.

02

Define What You Want

We sit down together and talk through your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers. Neighborhoods, school districts, commute times — all of it matters.

03

Tour Homes Together

I show you homes that genuinely match your criteria — not just what's available. I point out what to look for, what to avoid, and what questions to ask.

04

Make a Strong Offer

When you find the one, I craft a competitive offer strategy based on market data — protecting you while giving you the best chance of winning.

05

Navigate Inspection & Appraisal

I guide you through the inspection process, help you understand what's serious versus cosmetic, and negotiate repairs on your behalf.

06

Close & Get Your Keys

We review every closing document together so nothing surprises you. Then you sign, and those keys are yours.

Common Myths

What's Holding You Back
Probably Isn't Real.

Most first-time buyers talk themselves out of homeownership based on myths. Let me set the record straight.

I need 20% down to buy a home.
Most first-time buyers put down far less. Programs exist for 0%, 3%, and 3.5% down — and Michigan offers additional assistance on top.
My credit score isn't good enough.
FHA loans accept scores as low as 580. And there are steps we can take together to improve your score quickly if needed.
Buying is more expensive than renting.
In most Metro Detroit markets, a mortgage payment on a comparable home is equal to or less than rent — and builds equity instead of paying someone else's mortgage.
The process is too complicated.
That's exactly what I'm here for. I walk you through every step, explain every document, and make sure you never feel lost or pressured.

Ready to Find Out What You Qualify For?

A free, no-obligation consultation is all it takes to find out exactly where you stand and what your path to homeownership looks like.

Review your financial picture honestly and confidentially
Identify every program and assistance you qualify for
Estimate your monthly payment on homes in your range
Answer every question — no matter how basic it feels
Create a clear action plan with no pressure or timeline
Start My Free Consultation Call 734.228.4810
First-Time Buyer Stories

They Said Yes to
Homeownership.

I thought buying a home was years away for me. Angela showed me programs I had no idea existed and I closed on my first home with less than $2,000 out of pocket. I still can't believe it.

Jasmine R.
First-time buyer — Detroit, MI

We were so nervous going in — we had no idea what we were doing. Angela was patient, explained everything twice when we needed it, and never made us feel dumb for asking questions. Best decision we ever made.

Marcus & Tanya B.
First-time buyers — Southfield, MI

Your First Home
Starts with One Call.

No pressure. No jargon. Just honest answers about what is possible for you — and a clear path to getting there.

Angela Pearson
& Associates Real Estate

Providing elevated real estate guidance with expertise and heart. Where every client finds their clear path forward.

Brokered By
EXP Realty

Get in Touch

Licensing & Affiliation Disclosures. Angela Pearson is a licensed real estate agent in the State of Michigan, brokered by EXP Realty (License #6501365627), and a member of the MichRIC MLS.

DeedSide Real Estate Administrators and the HorizonOne program are independent services offered by Angela Pearson & Associates. Neither DeedSide nor HorizonOne is affiliated with, endorsed by, or a subsidiary of EXP Realty. The Passive Landlording Program and all Property Support services are products of DeedSide Real Estate Administrators and are not connected to EXP Realty. Angela Pearson's real estate brokerage services are conducted exclusively under EXP Realty.

Legal Limitations. DeedSide Real Estate Administrators is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Some tenant interactions — including but not limited to eviction proceedings, contested lease disputes, and court-ordered actions — may require the involvement of a licensed attorney, which is solely the responsibility of the property owner. DeedSide does not make court appearances, file court documents, or represent property owners in any legal proceeding.

LegalShield plans referenced on this site are offered through Angela Pearson as an independent LegalShield associate. LegalShield is an independent company and is not affiliated with Angela Pearson & Associates Real Estate, DeedSide, HorizonOne, or EXP Realty.

© 2026 Angela Pearson & Associates Real Estate. All rights reserved.In partnership with DeedSide Real Estate Administrators
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