Buying a home
From pre-approval to the keys.
Buying a home in Orange County should feel exciting, not overwhelming. We guide you the whole way — get pre-approved, find your loan, and walk into your new home with confidence.
Buying a home, explained in 30 seconds.
New to buying? Here's the whole idea — quick, clear, and friendly.
A home loan that's built around you.
Buying a home is the biggest financial decision most families ever make. You deserve someone in your corner who treats it that way. At Choice Home Mortgage, a family-owned Orange County broker, your loan is handled personally by owner Esther Buede — the same expert from the first phone call to the moment you get the keys.
The first step is almost always a pre-approval. It tells you what you can really afford, and it tells sellers you’re a serious buyer ready to close. In a market as competitive as Orange County, that can be the difference between winning the home you love and watching it go to someone else.
Because we’re a broker, not a bank, we don’t push one institution’s loan. We shop hundreds of lenders against each other and bring back the one that fits your file. Not sure which program is right? Many first-time buyers start with an FHA loan, and eligible veterans and service members may qualify for a VA loan with no down payment. When you’re ready, getting started takes just a few minutes.
The buying journey, made simple.
Get pre-approved first
A real pre-approval tells you what you can buy and makes your offer stand out. We do it before you tour a single home.
We shop, you save
As a broker we put hundreds of lenders in competition for your loan, instead of pushing one bank's product.
First-time friendly
Most of the buyers we guide are buying their first home. We explain every step in plain English — no jargon, no pressure.
One expert, start to finish
Owner Esther Buede handles your file personally — the same person from pre-approval to the day you get the keys.
Down-payment help
We work with hundreds of down-payment assistance programs across California. If there's help you qualify for, we'll find it.
Built for OC prices
Orange County runs high. We know the loan programs — FHA, VA, conventional, jumbo — that actually work in this market.
Home-buying questions, answered.
Should I get pre-approved before I start looking?
Yes. A pre-approval tells you your real budget and shows sellers you're a serious, ready buyer — which matters in a competitive market like Orange County. We can usually get you pre-approved quickly, and it costs nothing to find out where you stand.
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the loan program. Some — like FHA — allow as little as 3.5% down, and VA loans can go to zero down for eligible buyers. We also work with down-payment assistance programs. We'll show you the real options for your situation before you commit to anything.
I'm a first-time buyer and a little nervous. Is that normal?
Completely normal — and exactly why people choose us. Owner Esther Buede walks first-time buyers through every step personally. You'll always know what's happening and why. No call-center queue, no guessing.
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
There's no single magic number — different programs have different guidelines, and some start lower than people expect. Because we're a broker, we can match your credit profile to the lender whose guidelines fit you best.
Which areas do you serve?
We're based in Fountain Valley and serve buyers across Orange County — Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, and the surrounding communities.
I'm buying my first home — what are my mortgage options and how does the process work?
For most first-time buyers, the main loan options are FHA (as little as 3.5% down, flexible credit), VA (0% down for eligible veterans and service members), and conventional (often best with stronger credit and a larger down payment). The process is simpler than it sounds: 1) get pre-approved so you know your real budget, 2) shop for homes in that range with your agent, 3) make an offer, 4) we lock your loan and order the appraisal, 5) underwriting verifies your documents, and 6) you sign and get the keys. As a family-owned broker, we shop hundreds of lenders for your best fit and owner Esther Buede walks you through every step personally — and we work with hundreds of down-payment assistance programs if you need help with the cash to close.
What special programs, down-payment help, or perks are available for first-time buyers?
Beyond low-down-payment loans like FHA and VA, first-time buyers in California may qualify for down-payment assistance — we work with hundreds of programs, including statewide options like CalHFA and local ones such as Santa Ana's My First Home and Anaheim assistance. Some programs offer grants or deferred second loans toward your down payment and closing costs. Which ones fit depends on your city, income, and the home, so we review the real, current options for your situation rather than promising a program you may not qualify for.
Serving California
Popular service areas
A family-owned Orange County mortgage broker, serving buyers and homeowners across California.
Ready to buy?
Start your pre-approval in minutes — or call the owner directly. We'll tell you honestly what you can afford and how to get there.