BUYER RESOURCES
We walk first-time buyers through every step — from figuring out what you can afford to handing you the keys. Real estate with integrity, service you can trust.
Down Payment Assistance Available
Local Team,
Every Step of the Way
No Jargon.
No Pressure.
About Buying Your First Home
The median home price in Columbia sits around $345,000, but starter homes typically run well under $250,000 — and the down payment doesn’t have to be 20%. Many of our first-time buyers get in with as little as 3.5% down, and local assistance programs can help cover even more of the upfront cost.
We keep the process educational from the very first conversation, so you always know what’s happening next and why. Figures reflect current Columbia/Boone County market data and are updated periodically.
"We treat your first home like it's the most important purchase you'll make; because it is."
Why Buy With Our Team
Get Pre-Approved
We connect you with trusted local lenders so you know your real budget before you fall in love with a house
Explore Down Payment Options
We’ll walk you through the local and state programs you may qualify for — often more assistance than buyers expect.
Tour With Us
We help you build a list of must-haves, tour homes across Columbia and Boone County, and write a competitive offer.
Close with Confidence
We coordinate inspections, appraisals, and paperwork, and we’re with you at the closing table when you get your keys.
Local Buyer Resource
City of Columbia Homeownership Assistance Program — Eligible first-time buyers can receive up to $10,000 or 10% of the purchase price (whichever is less) as a forgivable, zero-interest 10-year loan toward down payment and closing costs, plus an additional $500 for lead hazard reduction on older homes. Income limits and program terms apply.
Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) First Place Program — A statewide option offering down payment and closing cost assistance for qualified first-time buyers, structured as a forgivable second mortgage.
Program terms, income limits, and available funding change, so we'll help you confirm current eligibility with a participating lender before you rely on any figure here.
Common Questions
No. Many first-time buyers put down far less than 20% — FHA loans allow as little as 3.5% down, and some conventional programs go even lower for qualified buyers. We'll help you compare options based on your situation.
It depends on the loan type. FHA loans are often available with lower credit scores than conventional loans, though a stronger score generally qualifies buyers for a better interest rate. We can connect you with a local lender to review your specific numbers.
Closing costs typically run a few percent of the purchase price and cover items like lender fees, title work, and prepaid taxes or insurance. We'll walk you through an estimate early so there are no surprises.
Start with a mortgage pre-approval, even before actively touring homes. Pre-approval establishes a realistic budget and focuses the home search from day one.
Yes. The City of Columbia Homeownership Assistance Program and the Missouri Housing Development Commission First Place Program both offer forgivable down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time buyers.
We keep the process educational and pressure-free. You'll always know what's happening next, why it matters, and what your options are — no jargon, no guessing.
