Your first home, explained.
Buying a home for the first time is a lot. I'll break it into steps, answer every question and help you find programs that may fit, including down payment assistance.
What clients say
“Had the pleasure to work with Stone Merton out of Jacksonville, Florida! Was a pleasure working with him. Very knowledgeable and didn’t treat me like just a customer. Stone treated my wife and I like a friend and made getting our first house a wonderful experience!”
“Our first time selling a home and moving into our forever dream home. Working with Stone had been one of the easiest and least challenging processes that I have ever gone through!! Stone was extremely attentive to my questions and needs. He would always reply quickly to any questions I had and would do everything within his power to make this a seamless process!! I highly recommend The Anchor Team for any of your real estate dealings!!”
“Great experience , long hours of support, sometimes after hours ,question's always answered, 7 days a week always there for me ! I would refer to all my friends.”
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What you get
No question is too basic
Pre-approval, escrow, closing costs, what an appraisal is. I explain each one before it matters.
Programs matched to you
FHA, conventional, USDA and more, compared side by side so you can choose with confidence.
Down payment help, explored
We check for assistance such as Chenoa Fund and SHIP. Eligibility and availability vary by program, location and borrower.
A plan if you're not ready yet
If today isn't the day, you'll leave with the specific steps and a timeline to get there.
What to expect
- Free consultation
- Pre-approval review
- House-hunt with your agent
- Close and get the keys
Ready to buy your first home?
Start the application when you're ready, or book a free call and bring your questions.
Not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval and program guidelines.
Programs to look at
Educational overviews. Eligibility and availability vary by program, location and borrower.
FHA
Government-insured loans with flexible guidelines, popular with first-time buyers.
Conventional
The most common loan type, with options for many situations.
Down Payment Assistance
Programs that may help with a down payment or closing costs.
USDA
Government-backed loans for eligible homes in eligible areas.
Quick answers
How much do I need saved to buy a home?
It depends on the loan program and the price of the home, and there are programs designed for smaller down payments. A quick conversation will tell you what is realistic for you.
Should I get pre-approved before I look at homes?
Usually yes. A pre-approval helps you understand your budget and shows sellers you are serious. It is not a final loan approval.
Will talking to you hurt my credit?
A consultation is just a conversation. A credit review happens when you choose to apply, and I will explain exactly what that involves before you do.
Local to the First Coast
Based in Middleburg, helping buyers across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.
- Middleburg, FL
- Jacksonville, FL
- Orange Park, FL
- Fleming Island, FL
- Green Cove Springs, FL
- Clay County, FL
Area photography, credited below.
Not quite you?
VA buyers
VA loans are one of the most valuable benefits of military service. I'll help you understand it, get your eligibility documents and move toward your home.
Credit challenges
Your score is one number. I look at the whole picture, including manual underwriting where available, and build a plan that gets you from where you are to where you want to be.
Self-employed & investors
Business owners, freelancers and investors have more than one way to qualify. I'll walk you through the documentation and loan types that fit how you earn.
Ready to buy your first home?
Start the application when you're ready, or book a free call and bring your questions.
Ready to move forward?
Start your application online. It takes about 10 minutes.
Not sure where to start?
Book a free, no-obligation call. Bring your questions.
- Free, no-obligation consultation
- Takes about 10 minutes to start
- Or call (904) 844-1148
Not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval and program guidelines.