First Lending Solutions is a Riverside, California mortgage broker and mortgage lender that guides first-time home buyers through the home loan process, from the first conversation to closing day. Founded in 2005 by CEO Alan Vogan, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, the company helps first-time buyers compare FHA, VA and conventional loans and understand every step in plain language.
Buying your first home is a big decision, and it’s normal to have a lot of questions. No question is too basic for us. Our job is to make sure you understand your options, your costs and what happens next, before you sign anything.
Why first-time buyers work with First Lending Solutions
- Patient, plain-language guidance. We explain the process, the documents and the costs without jargon.
- Broker and lender in one. We can compare more than one path to a loan, so you’re not limited to a single set of products.
- A local office. We’ve been in Riverside since 2005, and you’re welcome to sit down with us in person.
- What clients say: Rated 5.0 stars from 308 Google reviews (as of October 2026).
The home buying process, step by step
- Talk with a lender first. Before you tour homes, we review your income, credit, savings and goals and explain what you may qualify for. This review is conditional and is not a commitment to lend.
- Set a comfortable budget. We look at the full monthly housing cost, including property taxes, insurance, HOA dues and mortgage insurance where it applies, not just principal and interest.
- Shop with a real estate agent. Your agent helps you find homes and write offers. We stay available to answer loan questions along the way.
- Make an offer and open escrow. Once your offer is accepted, escrow opens and you’ll provide any updated documents we need.
- Appraisal, inspection and underwriting. The appraisal checks the home’s value, your inspection checks its condition, and underwriting reviews your file for final approval.
- Sign and get your keys. You review and sign your closing documents, the loan funds, and the home is yours.
Loan options for first-time buyers
- FHA loans, insured by the Federal Housing Administration, with flexible credit guidelines and flexible down-payment options. Learn more on our FHA loans page.
- VA loans for eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses, with no down payment for eligible borrowers. See our VA home loans page.
- Conventional loans for buyers who meet conventional guidelines, with flexible down-payment options for qualified buyers. Private mortgage insurance may be required depending on your down payment.
Which loan fits best depends on your credit, income, savings, the home and your plans. We’ll compare them side by side so you can choose with confidence. All loans are subject to approval.
Down payment assistance
Down payment assistance programs are offered by some state agencies, local governments and nonprofit organizations. Each program sets its own rules, which can include income limits, home price limits, location, first-time buyer status and homebuyer education, and funding can change during the year. Ask us which options may work with your loan, and we’ll give you an honest answer about what can and can’t be combined with your financing.
What to gather before you apply
- Government-issued photo ID for each borrower
- Recent pay stubs and your W-2s, plus tax returns if you’re self-employed or have other income
- Recent bank and investment account statements
- Documentation of any other income, such as Social Security, pension, child support or alimony you want considered
- A list of your monthly debts, such as car loans, student loans and credit cards
- A gift letter and proof of transfer if a family member is helping with funds
- For veterans: your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or DD-214, if you have them
- Your rental history and landlord contact information, if requested
Buying your first home in Southern California
Every area has its own considerations, from HOA dues and special taxes in newer communities to condo approvals near the coast. See our local pages for Riverside, the Inland Empire, Orange County and San Diego County.
How to get started
- Apply online or call. California borrowers can apply online, or call (951) 684-3307.
- Get your plan. We review your situation, compare loan options and send a clear document checklist.
- Shop with confidence. When you find the right home, we guide you through escrow and closing.
First-time home buyer FAQs
How much do I need for a down payment as a first-time buyer?
It depends on the loan. VA loans offer no down payment for eligible borrowers, and FHA and conventional loans have flexible down-payment options. You’ll also need to plan for closing costs and reserves. First Lending Solutions will show you the total cash you may need for your specific loan before you make an offer.
Do I need perfect credit to buy my first home?
No. FHA loans in particular have flexible credit guidelines, and every loan program looks at your overall picture, including credit, income, debts and savings. We’ll review your credit with you and explain your options. All loans are subject to approval.
Is down payment assistance available?
Some state agencies, local governments and nonprofits offer down payment assistance programs, each with its own rules, such as income limits, location and first-time buyer status. Funding and availability change. Ask First Lending Solutions which options may work with your loan.
Who counts as a first-time home buyer?
The definition depends on the program. Many programs consider you a first-time buyer if you haven’t owned a home recently, but each program sets its own rules. You don’t have to be a first-time buyer to use FHA, VA or conventional loans.
What should I gather before applying for a mortgage?
Gather photo ID, recent pay stubs, W-2s and tax returns, recent bank statements, documentation of other income, a list of monthly debts, a gift letter if family is helping, and your VA Certificate of Eligibility or DD-214 if you’re a veteran. We’ll send a checklist tailored to you.
More questions? See our full mortgage FAQ.
Ready to buy your first home?
Apply online, or call our Riverside office and we’ll walk you through every step.
Apply now (California) Call (951) 684-3307
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. PT · 3610 Central Ave Suite 400, Riverside, CA 92506
First Lending Solutions serves California primarily and is also licensed in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Florida and Texas. The online application is for California borrowers; if you live in one of those other states, call (951) 684-3307 to talk with a licensed loan officer.
Disclosures
1st Lending Solutions, Inc. DBA First Lending Solutions, 3610 Central Ave Suite 400, Riverside, CA 92506. (951) 684-3307. Company NMLS #135932 (NMLS Consumer Access). Alan Vogan, NMLS #236124. CA DRE Corporation License #01482431. CA DRE Broker License #01373250. CA DFPI California Financing Law License #60DBO96452. AL Consumer Credit License #23244. AL Mortgage Brokers License #23245. FL Mortgage Broker Business License #MBR7449. KY Mortgage Company License #MC796021. TN Mortgage Lender License #174096. TX SML Mortgage Company License (NMLS #135932). Equal Housing Opportunity. This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, program guidelines and property eligibility. Programs and terms are subject to change without notice and may not be available in all areas. VA loans require eligibility. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency.