First-Time Home Buyers | Eddie Reyes | Lehigh Valley Real Estate

Your First Home is Closer Than You Think

Stop paying your landlord's mortgage. I'll show you exactly how to qualify, budget, and buy—step by step. Even if you think you're not ready yet.

100+
Families Helped
90
Days Average Close
580+
Credit Score OK
🗣️

Bilingual Service

English & Spanish

📚

Education-First

No Pressure, Just Clarity

Licensed & Insured

PA Real Estate Agent

Fast Response

Available When You Need Me

🛡️

Full Protection

Real Estate + Life Insurance

I Know What You're Thinking...

These are the most common concerns I hear from first-time buyers. Let me show you why they shouldn't stop you.

💳

"My credit isn't good enough"

You'd be surprised. Many people think they need perfect credit, but that's not true.

✓ Eddie's Answer: I work with lenders who specialize in 580+ credit scores. Let's check your options together.
💰

"I don't have 20% down"

The 20% myth stops more buyers than anything else. It's simply not required.

✓ Eddie's Answer: Most first-time buyers put down 3-5%. There are programs specifically designed for you.
📊

"I'm not sure I can afford it"

You might be paying more in rent than you would for a mortgage. Let's do the math.

✓ Eddie's Answer: I'll show you a side-by-side comparison. Many buyers are shocked at how affordable homeownership is.
🤯

"The process seems complicated"

It can feel overwhelming when you don't know the steps. That's where I come in.

✓ Eddie's Answer: I break it into 5 simple steps and guide you through each one. You'll never feel lost.

Why First-Time Buyers Choose Eddie

I'm not your typical real estate agent. Here's what makes working with me different.

📚

I Educate First, Sell Second

I teach you the process so you feel confident, not pressured. You'll understand every step before we move forward.

🗣️

Bilingual Communication

English & Spanish—I serve our entire community. Your family can be part of every conversation.

💰

Connected to the Right Lenders

I work with lenders who specialize in first-time buyer programs, down payment assistance, and flexible credit requirements.

📋

Custom Roadmap for Every Buyer

Your situation is unique—so is your plan. I create a personalized strategy based on YOUR goals and timeline.

Fast Response Time

In this market, speed matters. I respond quickly, schedule tours fast, and move with urgency to help you win.

🛡️

Protection Beyond the Purchase

I also offer life insurance planning to protect your investment. Real estate + life insurance = complete financial security.

Your Path to Homeownership: 5 Simple Steps

No confusion. No surprises. Just a clear roadmap from where you are now to holding your keys.

1

Discovery Call

Week 1 • 30-60 Minutes

We start with an honest conversation about your goals, budget, and timeline. No sales pitch—just clarity.

  • Discuss your homeownership goals
  • Review your current financial situation
  • Check credit score and discuss improvement if needed
  • Set realistic expectations and timeline
  • Answer all your questions (no question is too small)
2

Get Pre-Approved

Week 1-2 • Critical Step

I'll connect you with trusted lenders who specialize in first-time buyers. This shows sellers you're serious.

  • Introduction to vetted lenders (not just any bank)
  • Explore down payment assistance programs
  • Get pre-approval letter (shows your buying power)
  • Understand your true budget (not just the max)
  • Lock in interest rate if timing is right
3

House Hunting

Week 3-6 • The Fun Part

Now we find YOUR home. I'll teach you what to look for and what to avoid.

  • Define your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
  • Tour homes in your budget and desired areas
  • Learn what to look for (I point out red flags)
  • Access off-market listings when possible
  • Move fast on the right property
4

Making the Offer

Week 6-7 • Strategy Time

This is where my negotiation experience pays off. I'll help you win without overpaying.

  • Analyze comparable sales in the area
  • Craft a competitive but fair offer
  • Negotiate repairs, closing costs, contingencies
  • Protect your interests in every clause
  • Handle counteroffers professionally
5

Closing Day

Week 8-12 • The Finish Line

The final stretch. I'll coordinate everything so you can focus on packing and preparing.

  • Schedule and attend home inspection
  • Coordinate appraisal with lender
  • Review all closing documents (I explain each one)
  • Final walkthrough before closing
  • Hand you the keys to YOUR home! 🔑

Free Resources for First-Time Buyers

Download these guides and tools to start preparing for homeownership today.

📋

First-Time Buyer Checklist

Everything you need to prepare before house hunting. Step-by-step preparation guide.

Download Free
📈

Credit Improvement Guide

Quick actions to boost your credit score in 30-90 days before applying.

Download Free
💵

Down Payment Programs (PA)

Complete list of assistance programs available in Pennsylvania for first-time buyers.

Download Free
🧮

Rent vs. Buy Calculator

See exactly how much you could save (or pay) by buying vs. continuing to rent.

Download Free
🔍

Inspection Red Flags

What to look for during tours and inspections. Avoid costly surprises.

Download Free
📊

Budget Planning Worksheet

Calculate your true home-buying budget including all hidden costs.

Download Free

Real People. Real Keys. Real Dreams.

These are just a few of the families I've helped transition from renting to owning.

🏡

Maria S.

Allentown, PA

★★★★★

"I thought my credit would hold me back forever. Eddie connected me with a lender who specialized in first-time buyers, explained exactly what I needed to do, and I closed in 60 days! He answered every single question I had (and I had a LOT)."

From renting to homeowner in 60 days with 595 credit score
🔑

Tandeleyo M.

Bethlehem, PA

★★★★★

"Eddie made it possible for our closing to be on Valentine's Day—it was supposed to be at the end of the month! His patience and dedication were incredible. He worked with our schedule and made sure we understood every step. 100% recommend!"

Closed 3 weeks early on their dream home
💑

The Rodriguez Family

Easton, PA

★★★★★

"We didn't think we could afford to buy. Eddie sat down with us, showed us programs we didn't know existed, and helped us put together a plan. Now we're building equity instead of paying rent. Eddie spoke Spanish with my parents so they could be part of the process too."

Saved $400/month compared to renting + bilingual support

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to the questions every first-time buyer asks me.

How much do I need for a down payment? +
It varies by program, but many first-time buyers put down just 3-5%. FHA loans require 3.5% down, and some programs offer down payment assistance grants. For a $200,000 home, that's $6,000-$10,000—much less than most people think. I can show you exactly what you'd need based on your situation.
What credit score do I need to buy a home? +
Most programs accept credit scores of 580 or higher. Some conventional loans prefer 620+, but FHA loans can work with scores as low as 580 (sometimes 500 with a larger down payment). If your credit needs work, I can refer you to credit repair specialists and give you a timeline for when you'll be ready.
How long does the buying process take? +
From pre-approval to closing typically takes 8-12 weeks, though I've had buyers close in as little as 30 days. The timeline depends on finding the right home, inspection results, and lender processing times. I keep the process moving and update you regularly so you always know where we stand.
What are closing costs and how much are they? +
Closing costs are fees for things like appraisals, title insurance, inspections, and lender processing. They typically run 2-5% of the purchase price. For a $200,000 home, expect $4,000-$10,000. The good news? These can sometimes be negotiated with the seller or covered by assistance programs. I'll show you all your options.
Can I buy a home if I'm self-employed? +
Absolutely! Self-employed buyers may need to provide 2 years of tax returns and additional documentation, but it's very doable. I work with lenders who understand self-employment income and know how to structure the application. Many of my successful buyers are self-employed business owners.
What first-time buyer programs are available in PA? +
Pennsylvania offers several programs including PHFA (Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency) with down payment assistance, HFA Preferred™ loans, Keystone Home Loan Program, and more. There are also federal programs like FHA and VA loans. Each has different requirements and benefits—I'll help you find the best fit for your situation.
Do I need perfect credit to get approved? +
Not at all! While better credit gets you better interest rates, you don't need perfect credit. I've helped buyers with scores in the high 500s and low 600s get approved. If your credit needs improvement, I can show you specific steps to boost your score quickly and introduce you to credit specialists if needed.
How much can I actually afford? +
Most lenders use the 28/36 rule: your housing payment (mortgage, taxes, insurance) should be no more than 28% of your gross monthly income, and total debt (including car loans, student loans, credit cards) should be under 36%. But there's more to it than that—I'll help you create a realistic budget that includes maintenance, utilities, and your lifestyle goals. Many buyers are surprised they can afford more than they thought!

My Promise to Every First-Time Buyer

These aren't just words—this is how I operate every single day.

🤝

No Pressure, Ever
I'll never push you to buy something you're not ready for. Your timeline is your timeline.

📚

Education First
I'll explain every step, every document, every decision. You'll never feel confused or in the dark.

📞

Always Available
Real estate moves fast. I respond quickly to your calls, texts, and questions—whenever you need me.

💪

Negotiate Like It's Mine
I'll fight for the best price, terms, and conditions as if I were buying the house myself.

🛡️

Protect Your Investment
I'll help you protect what you've built with life insurance and financial planning beyond just the sale.

Ready to Stop Renting and Start Building Equity?

Let's have a no-pressure conversation about your homeownership goals. I'll answer your questions, show you what's possible, and create a custom roadmap for YOUR situation.

🎯 This Month: Ask me about PA First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit
×

Contact

+1 (484) 557-3824

Address

1555 N 18th, Allentown, PA 18104

1555 N 18th St, Allentown, PA 18104, USA

© I-DO Real Estate 2025 All Rights Reserved