When it comes to buying a home, you’ve probably heard it all—”You need perfect credit,” “It’s impossible in this market,” or “Save 20% down or don’t bother.” But here’s the thing: most of those “rules” just don’t apply anymore. And nobody knows that better than Joshua Fard, the founder of First Nation Financial.
Joshua didn’t learn mortgages in a classroom. He grew up on construction sites with his father, a seasoned contractor and developer. By the age of fifteen, he was managing payroll. By seventeen, he was processing loans. And by 2004, he built First Nation Financial from the ground up—not for investors or hedge funds, but for the people who wake up early, work hard, and want something to show for it.
Over the past two decades, Joshua has helped thousands of families—from blue-collar workers to self-employed entrepreneurs—become homeowners, even when they thought they couldn’t. His approach isn’t just about interest rates and credit scores. It’s about real-life problem-solving, honesty, and the belief that homeownership should be possible for everyone who’s willing to work for it.
In this guide, Joshua shares what you really need to know about buying a home in 2025—from how the market’s shifting, to the exact steps you should take to set yourself up for success. Whether you’re in Houston, California, or anywhere in between, you’ll walk away from this article with clarity, encouragement, and a plan.
Because if you’re ready to stop renting and start building your future—you’re exactly who we’re here for.
Let me be real with you—the headlines don’t always tell the full story.
Yes, mortgage rates went up. Yes, inventory has been tight in a lot of areas. But if you’re sitting on the sidelines thinking it’s a terrible time to buy, I want to challenge that. I’ve been in this business for over 20 years, and what I’m seeing right now is not a crash. It’s a shift—and if you know how to navigate it, it can work in your favor.
Let’s talk about Houston first. I love this market. It’s one of the most resilient, affordable, and opportunity-rich cities in the country. Home prices here are still within reach for working families. And while interest rates may not be at the historic lows we saw in 2021, they’re stabilizing. That creates predictability—something we didn’t have a year or two ago. And let me tell you, serious buyers who are pre-approved and ready to act are landing solid homes in great neighborhoods without having to outbid 20 other offers.
Now California—I grew up in this market. It’s definitely more competitive, and yes, the price tags are higher. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. I’ve helped countless first-time buyers in California get into homes with less money down than they thought possible. In 2025, I’m seeing sellers be more realistic, more open to negotiation. That’s something we didn’t see much of during the frenzy. If you’re flexible on location and you have the right loan strategy, you can still win.
What I’m telling my clients right now is simple: Don’t wait for a perfect market. Wait for the right plan. Because even in 2025, with the right financing and a bit of guidance, you can make homeownership happen.
And that’s what I do at First Nation Financial—I help people turn doubt into direction. If you’re ready, I’ll help you build your plan.
The Biggest Mistakes Homebuyers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
After two decades in this industry, I’ve seen the same few mistakes stop good people from becoming homeowners—people who absolutely could’ve bought, but didn’t because they got stuck on the wrong information or waited too long. So let’s talk about the most common ones I see—and how to make sure you don’t fall into the same traps.
1. Waiting Too Long to Get Pre-Approved
This one is huge. People think they need to find the perfect home first, then figure out the financing. But it works the other way around. When you’re pre-approved, you’re not just ready—you’re credible. Sellers take you seriously, your realtor can move faster, and you’ll know exactly what your budget is.
And listen, pre-approval isn’t scary. It’s not a commitment. It’s a conversation. It’s where we look at your income, credit, and goals—and I help you see what’s possible.
2. Believing the Myth That You Need 20% Down
Nope. This one drives me crazy, because it keeps people renting for years. There are solid loan options that require 3% or 3.5% down—and some buyers even qualify for zero down payment programs, depending on their situation.
If you’re working a steady job and you’ve been saving even a little, chances are you’re in a much better position than you think. I’ve helped blue-collar workers with limited savings buy homes—and they’re now building equity instead of watching rent go up every year.
🔗 Buy a Home with No Money Down
3. Not Asking the Right Questions (Or the Right People)
Buying a home is a big deal—and it can feel overwhelming. So naturally, a lot of people turn to Google or ask a friend who bought a house ten years ago. But here’s the thing: the market has changed. The rules have changed. And your financial situation is unique.
That’s why I always say: ask someone who’s in the game every single day. Someone who knows the market, knows the programs, and knows how to make a plan for you. That’s what I do.
These mistakes? They’re fixable. But the first step is just starting the conversation. Even if you’re not ready to buy tomorrow, let’s talk now. That way, when the right home comes along—you’re ready to move, not just wish.
Joshua’s Proven Formula for First-Time Homebuyers
Over the years, I’ve developed a simple process that helps first-time buyers move from “I don’t think I can do this” to “I just got the keys to my new home.” And it doesn’t start with rates or contracts—it starts with clarity. If you’re ready to stop renting and start building something for yourself, here’s the roadmap I use with my clients every single day.
Step 1: Build a Realistic Budget
Let’s take a look at your numbers—not just what you earn, but what you spend each month. What’s your rent? Car payment? Groceries? We figure out what you’re comfortable paying, not what a bank says you can afford. My goal is to get you into a home that fits your lifestyle without feeling like you’re house-poor.
Step 2: Understand and Improve Your Credit (If Needed)
You don’t need perfect credit to buy a home, but you do need to know where you stand. I’ll walk you through a simple credit check, explain what it means, and show you how to improve it if we need to. Sometimes a few smart moves—like paying off a small card or correcting an error—can make a big impact on your loan approval and interest rate.
🔗 The Importance of Credit Scores in Securing a Mortgage
Step 3: Get Pre-Approved
Once we’ve looked at your budget and credit, it’s time to get pre-approved. That gives us a green light to start house hunting—and it tells sellers you’re serious. I’ll help you compare loan options, walk you through estimated payments, and make sure we pick the program that sets you up for success, not stress.
Step 4: Focus on the Monthly Payment, Not Just the Price Tag
A lot of people get caught up in the home’s listing price. But what really matters is how that price translates into a monthly payment—and whether that payment works for your life. We’ll look at everything: loan amount, interest rate, taxes, insurance, and even potential repairs or HOA fees. No surprises.
Step 5: Surround Yourself with the Right Team
Having the right mortgage advisor, real estate agent, and even insurance provider makes a world of difference. I work closely with agents across Houston and California who share the same values: honesty, transparency, and putting the buyer first. You deserve a team that listens and fights for what’s best for you—not just their commission.
Buying your first home doesn’t have to be complicated. With a clear plan and someone to guide you, it becomes a whole lot more doable. You bring the dream—I’ll bring the strategy.
Why So Many Blue-Collar Buyers Are Winning with First Nation Financial
If you’re a blue-collar worker—someone who builds, delivers, repairs, cooks, serves, cleans, or drives—chances are you’ve been told somewhere along the way that homeownership is hard to reach. Maybe you’ve been told you don’t earn enough, your credit’s not perfect, or you need a huge down payment. I’m here to tell you that’s just not true.
I built First Nation Financial to serve the people who make our communities run. People like my own parents—hardworking, no-nonsense, and doing whatever it takes to provide for their family. I’ve worked with electricians, HVAC techs, security guards, waiters, mechanics, teachers, single moms—you name it. And I’ve helped many of them buy homes with as little as 3% down, and sometimes even zero.
Here’s why we’re different: we don’t push one-size-fits-all loans. We get to know your situation, your goals, your challenges—and then we craft a mortgage plan around you. Whether you’re paid hourly, work overtime, get tips, or are self-employed—we’ll help you document your income, improve your credit if needed, and find programs that actually work for your lifestyle.
We also specialize in helping buyers access down payment assistance programs, including city and state-sponsored options in Houston and California that many people don’t even know exist. These programs can help cover part—or even all—of your down payment or closing costs.
🔗 Making Your Dream Home a Reality
🔗 Down Payment Help and Mortgage Tips with Josh Fard
I’ve had clients come to me thinking they’re a year or two away from buying… and we got them into a home in just a few months. You don’t have to be rich. You just need the right strategy—and someone who actually believes in what you’re trying to do.
Final Thoughts – Homeownership Is Possible—And It’s Worth It
I know what it’s like to feel like you’re doing everything right—working hard, paying your bills, saving what you can—and still feel like owning a home is out of reach. I’ve had those same conversations with hundreds of buyers over the years. But here’s what I tell them every single time: it’s possible. And more than that—it’s worth it.
When you buy a home, you’re not just signing papers. You’re building something that belongs to you. You’re putting down roots. You’re gaining stability. And you’re creating a legacy—something you can pass down, something that grows in value over time.
Yes, the process takes planning. Yes, it takes patience. But it does not require perfection. You don’t need a 750 credit score or a 20% down payment. You don’t need to be debt-free or earn six figures. What you need is a clear plan, a trusted advisor, and the willingness to take that first step—even if you’re not 100% sure you’re ready.
And that’s where I come in.
At First Nation Financial, we don’t just close loans. We open doors—for families, for first-time buyers, for people who’ve been told “not yet” too many times. We walk with you from the first conversation to the day you get your keys—and long after that, too.
So if you’re sitting on the fence, wondering if now is your time… let’s talk. Not a sales pitch. Just a conversation.
Because homeownership isn’t just for the few. It’s for you, too.
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Let’s make a plan. Let’s make it possible. Let’s make it happen.
