Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or if you’re looking to refinance, Team Bruce will match you to the right loan, all while simplifying the homebuying process and provide clear, personalized support to move you from application to closing with minimal stress.
Wondering which loan program is right for you? Reach out to us below!
Homebuyer Programs
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A conventional mortgage is a non-government loan that meets requirements set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and meets the funding criteria of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Conventional loans offer low interest rates to borrowers with excellent credit scores.
Competitive rates and countless options
Homebuyers seeking a conventional loan typically enjoy the largest selection of loan options at the most competitive rates. Since risks and guidelines are well-defined, conventional loans are popular with both mortgage lenders and homebuyers. Most lenders will offer several Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs tailored to different homebuyer situations, which means you can shop for the most competitive rates and terms to maximize how much you can get from a conventional loan.
Benefits of a conventional loan:
Both fixed- and adjustable-rate options available
Financing up to 97% of the purchase price (up to 95% with conforming high-balance)
Who qualifies for a conventional loan and what are the limits?
Homebuyers who meet the following criteria may qualify:
Homebuyers with good credit (scores as low as 620) and a qualifying debt-to-income ratio
Homebuyers who do not need to borrow more than their county limits
Conventional loans also have limits to keep in mind:
Conventional loans have certain minimum down payment requirements
Conventional loan amounts may not exceed county loan limits (varies on a county-by-county level)
If you don’t qualify for a conventional loan:
Conventional loans are popular because they have such clearly defined guidelines. For anyone who doesn’t meet those guidelines, Guild has other options like FHA loans to help you qualify for the property you love.
All loans subject to underwriter approval; terms and conditions may apply. Subject to change without notice. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deduction.
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An FHA loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and issued by an FHA approved lender. Since these loans were designed for low-to-moderate income borrowers, they offer options to borrowers with lower minimum down payments and credit scores. While FHA loans are popular with first-time homebuyers, they are available to anyone who qualifies.
Who qualifies for FHA loans?
Homebuyers with lower credit scores
Individuals with low-to moderate-incomes
Borrowers who would prefer to make a lower down payment
Benefits of an FHA loan:
More flexible qualification requirements than other home loan types
Down payments as low as 3.5%
Credit scores as low as 540
Financing up to 96.5% of home purchase price
Credit scores under 580 require a minimum of a 10% down payment.
All loans subject to underwriter approval; terms and conditions may apply. Subject to change without notice. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deduction.
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A VA home loan has a portion of the loan balance guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans who qualify may find homeownership more accessible through VA-backed loans than other financing programs.
With no down payment, flexible income and lenient credit requirements, the VA home loan is a great tool to help our military members find a place to call home.
VA home loans benefit veterans, service members and surviving spouses. These loans allow you to buy or refinance with the following advantages:
No down payment options
Borrow up to 100% of the home’s value with a cash out refinance
Rate and term refinance options
No private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirement
Lower interest rates than traditional mortgages
Higher debt-to-income ratios accepted
Reduced fees as compared to traditional mortgages
What are the VA home loan requirements?
If you served in the Armed Forces, you must meet one of the following to qualify:
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) will be required to determine eligibility and VA funding fee
For service members: You meet the minimum active-duty service requirement if you’ve served for at least 90 continuous days (without a break in service). For Veterans, National Guard members and Reserve members: You meet the minimum active duty service requirement depending on when you served.
VA home loans open the door to homeownership by eliminating the need to spend years saving for a down payment or building a good credit history. Our loan officers will find the VA home loan that fits your life. Whether you’re interested in a starter home, an investment property or a place to renovate and make your own, we’re here to help you at every step.
If you’re interested in learning the next steps, please fill out our contact form to get in touch with a loan officer. We’ll be happy to answer any questions regarding VA home loans, requirements and eligibility.
All loans subject to underwriter approval; terms and conditions may apply. Subject to change without notice. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deduction.
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A USDA home loan is a mortgage loan offered to rural property owners by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA loan program is also known as the USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan Program and has certain eligibility requirements.
The USDA provides special financing opportunities to homebuyers who live or would like to purchase a primary residence in rural areas as defined by the USDA. Not sure if the home you want to buy is located in a rural area? Check USDA rural housing eligibility and requirements here.
USDA loans, or Rural Development loans, are available to homebuyers with low-to-average income for their area, offer 100% financing with reduced mortgage insurance premiums and feature below-market mortgage rates.
USDA home loans are helping many people buy homes rather than continue to rent.
Who can qualify for a USDA loan:
Anyone who lives in or will purchase in areas defined by the USDA as rural
Households with a low-to-moderate income for their area
First-time and repeat homebuyers
Benefits of USDA home loan financing programs:
100% financing of the purchase price
Better-than-average interest rates
Credit scores as low as 540
Zero down payment options
All loans subject to underwriter approval; terms and conditions may apply. Subject to change without notice. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deduction.
Downpayment Assistance Programs (DPA)
We’re devoted to making homeownership a possibility for everyone — not just a select few. Whether you’re a first-time or first-generation homebuyer, Team Bruce makes homeownership more accessible by offering lower (or no) down payment minimums or closing cost credit opportunities, either through Guild Mortgage or your local down payment assistance programs.
Want to know which down payment assistance program you qualify for? Contact us below!
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Start building equity—on us. Guild will pay 2% of your down payment* and you only pay 1%, with our 1% Down program.
The 1% Down program is for:
First-time or repeat homebuyers
Credit scores 620 or higher
Low to moderate income earners
Single family primary residences
How to buy a home with 1% Down:
Connect with a loan officer by completing the form
Complete an application
Take a homebuyer education course
*Guild Mortgage to cover 2% of the required minimum down payment amount in the form of a non-repayable grant with a maximum grant amount of $5,000. Changes to the loan parameters, including but not limited to the loan amount, owner-occupancy status, loan to value and other factors may render the borrower ineligible for the program. Eligibility is subject to the program guidelines. The grant may only be used for the borrower’s cash investment in accordance with the program guidelines. Must lock rate on or after 1/2/2025. Not available with any other discounts or promotions. Offer cannot be retroactively applied to previously closed loans or loans that have a locked rate.
All loans subject to underwriter approval; terms and conditions may apply. Subject to change without notice. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deduction.
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If you’re not yet mortgage-ready, your path to homeownership starts here. The MyPath2Own program helps first-time homebuyers become mortgage-ready by combining a personalized homeownership plan, homebuyer education and assistance of up to $4,000 that can be used toward a down payment or closing costs.
This unique program combines financial and homebuying education, as well as counseling, to ensure that you’re not only financially ready to purchase a home—you’re also able to take advantage of the wealth-building opportunities homeownership brings over the long-term.
At Guild Mortgage, unqualified buyers aren’t turned away; they’re given a plan to become a homeowner. MyPath2Own was specifically designed for those without enough down payment savings, a lower credit score, not enough employment history and a lack of knowledge about the homebuying process. MyPath2Own provides the resources to overcome these challenges, giving hope to every homebuyer.
Here's how to get mortgage-ready with MyPath2Own:
Get started by reaching out to one of our loan officers—they'll evaluate your financial situation, learn your goals and help customize your homeownership plan. If you do not qualify for a mortgage today, your loan officer will put you on the journey to become mortgage-ready.
Next, you'll prepare with online money management and homebuyer education classes*, through our partnership with eHome America. These classes will help you gain a better understanding of the planning and resources you need to become a homeowner.
After you complete all the classes and can qualify for a mortgage, you'll be eligible for down payment / closing cost assistance up to $4,000**. Your loan officer will work with you to create the best financing options to bring your homeownership plan to the finish line.
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Yes, it’s possible to buy a home with Zero Down payment. For those without the savings for a down payment, Guild offers a Zero Down program. It combines an FHA mortgage with a second mortgage to cover down payment and closing costs. You could potentially buy now, with little to nothing out of pocket.
Our Zero Down program is for:
First-time or repeat homebuyers
Credit scores of 600 or higher
Primary home purchases
How to buy a home with Zero Down:
Connect with Team Bruce
Complete an application
Get pre-approved for an FHA first mortgage
Receive a 3.5% or 5% down payment assistance (DPA) repayable second mortgage to cover down payment and/or closing costs, or a 3.5% DPA second mortgage that doesn't need to be repaid
Choose whether to reduce your interest rate for the first year using a temporary buydown
The Zero Down program is not affiliated with HUD. This program pairs a second mortgage for the down payment and/or closing cost with a standard FHA-insured first mortgage. Second lien can be 3.5% or 5% of the purchase price. FHA standard loan limits apply
*Guild Mortgage is not licensed in the state of New York.
**Borrower must meet program eligibility and qualify based on the note rate of the program. Seller participation may be required to pay for the buydown costs. Temporary buydown is applied to the first lien only.
All loans are subject to underwriter approval; terms and conditions may apply. Subject to change without notice. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deductions.
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Home Advantage DPA
Statewide Washington assistance typically paired with a Home Advantage first mortgage. Usually helps with down payment and/or closing costs through a second mortgage/HFA structure
Primary residence purchase typically required
Must qualify for the associated first mortgage
Income limits may apply depending on current program terms
Homebuyer education may be required
Funding availability should be confirmed
Best for buyers who want a broad statewide option and need help with upfront cash to close
House Key Opportunity DPA
Washington assistance typically designed for lower-income households and generally paired with a House Key first mortgage
Primary residence usually required
Lower income limits typically apply
Must qualify for program first mortgage
Homebuyer education may be required
Program/property restrictions may apply
Best for lower-income buyers who need more structured affordability support
House Key Veterans DPA
Assistance intended for eligible veterans, and potentially certain surviving spouses, to reduce upfront purchase costs.
Must meet program veteran eligibility rules
Must occupy as primary residence
Must qualify for first mortgage
Income and education requirements may apply
Funding/program status should be confirmed
Best for eligible veterans who need help with down payment or closing costs
House Key State Bond DPA
Bond-related Washington housing agency assistance tied to a House Key bond first mortgage
Must qualify for the bond first mortgage
Income and purchase price limits may apply
Primary residence occupancy typically required
Homebuyer education may be required
Funding must be confirmed
Best for buyers who fit bond-program income limits and want a traditional state housing option
House Key ARCH DPA
Targeted assistance connected to participating ARCH areas, generally for buyers purchasing in specific local jurisdictions.
Property usually must be in an eligible ARCH location
Income limits typically apply
Primary residence required
Local agency restrictions or resale terms may apply
Must qualify for associated first mortgage
Buyers purchasing in eligible Eastside/King County ARCH-served areas
House Key Opportunity – Seattle
Seattle-targeted assistance through state/local housing program coordination.
Property location typically must be in Seattle-eligible area
Income limits usually apply
Primary residence required
Education/counseling may be required
Must qualify for the first mortgage
Best for buyers purchasing in Seattle who need local-market affordability support
House Key Opportunity – Tacoma
Tacoma-focused down payment assistance for eligible buyers.
Property typically must be in Tacoma program area
Income limits usually apply
Primary residence required
Education may be required
Must qualify for first mortgage and local program rules
Best for buyers targeting Tacoma who need help with cash to close
House Key Opportunity – Spokane
Spokane-area targeted assistance for eligible homebuyers.
Property typically must be in eligible Spokane area
Income limits and possibly purchase price limits may apply
Primary residence required
Education may be required
Must qualify for first mortgage
Best for buyers purchasing in Spokane who need local DPA support
Covenant Homeownership Program
Washington special-purpose assistance program designed to expand access for eligible buyers under the state’s program rules.
Must meet the program’s specific eligibility criteria
Income limits typically apply
Primary residence occupancy required
Homebuyer education is typically required
Must qualify for the first mortgage and provide required documentation
Best for buyers who may qualify for specialized Washington assistance and may need a larger DPA amount than standard programs