HomeFirst-Time BuyersLoan ProgramsVeteransRates & ToolsBuild WealthAboutFAQRealtors Start My Application Call (614) 665-8801
First-time homebuyers · Central Ohio

Your first home.
Your game plan.

Buying your first home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. I help first-time buyers across Central Ohio and the 15 states I'm licensed in understand their numbers, explore low down payment options and follow a clear, step-by-step plan from pre-approval to keys.

Not sure if you're ready? That's exactly what the game plan call is for.

Your game planOn track
  1. Game plan callGoals, timeline, comfortable payment
  2. Pre-approvedLetter ready for your price range
  3. House huntingTouring homes with your agent
  4. Offer acceptedKevin backs your offer
  5. Clear to closeUpdates at every milestone
  6. Keys in handWelcome home
Example plan · every buyer's timeline is different
3%Conventionaldown for qualified first-time buyers
3.5%FHAdown, with flexible credit guidelines
$0VA & USDAdown for eligible buyers and areas
DPAAssistancedown payment help, where available

Program availability, down payment and terms depend on eligibility, credit, property and location, and are subject to underwriting approval.

What first-time buyers ask me

Straight answers
to the big questions.

Most first-time buyers are closer to ready than they think. The first step is knowing your real numbers.

Q

Do I need 20% down?

No. Many first-time buyers put down 3% to 3.5%, and eligible veterans and USDA-area buyers may need $0 down.

Q

Is my credit good enough?

Different programs have different guidelines. I'll review your credit and, if you're not there yet, show you exactly what to work on.

Q

What will my payment really be?

We'll walk through principal, interest, taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance, so the number you see is the number you pay.

Q

How much cash do I need?

Down payment plus closing costs, minus any seller credits or assistance. I'll estimate it up front so you can plan.

How it works

From first call
to front door keys.

Book a Game Plan Call
01

Game plan call

15 minutes on your goals, timeline and the monthly payment you're actually comfortable with.

02

Pre-approval

A full review of income, assets and credit, so your letter is one sellers take seriously.

03

Shop with confidence

Know your numbers before you tour. Need an agent? I'll connect you with one I trust.

04

Make your offer

I'll call the listing agent to back your offer and update your letter for the exact price.

05

Underwriting to clear to close

Appraisal, conditions and final approval, with an update from me at every milestone.

06

Closing day

Sign, fund and get your keys. Then celebrate your first home.

Still looking for an agent?
Shop with someone I know and trust.Browse real estate agents I've worked with in Ohio, Georgia and beyond, or ask me for a personal introduction. Who you work with is always your choice.
Why the broker channel

More options
for your first home.

A bank can only offer its own programs. Through Edge Home Finance, LLC, I can compare 150+ wholesale lenders, including first-time buyer and down payment assistance programs, to find the right fit for you.

SOLDHOME
Local and proud of it

Buying your first home
in Central Ohio.

Central Ohio is home for me and my family. I help first-time buyers in Powell, Dublin, Delaware, Westerville, Lewis Center, Plain City and Marysville, and all across the Columbus area. Buying somewhere else? I'm personally licensed in 15 states, from Florida and Georgia to Arizona and California, and the same game plan works wherever your first home is.

First-time buyer FAQ

Good questions,
honest answers.

Who counts as a first-time homebuyer?
For most programs, you're considered a first-time homebuyer if you haven't owned a home in the past three years. That means many people who owned a home years ago can qualify for first-time buyer programs again.
How much do I need for a down payment on my first home?
Less than most people think. Conventional loans can start at 3% down for qualified first-time buyers, FHA loans at 3.5% down, and eligible veterans and buyers in USDA-eligible areas may qualify with $0 down. Down payment assistance may also be available depending on location, income and program guidelines.
What credit score do I need to buy my first home?
It depends on the loan program. FHA, conventional, VA and USDA loans each have different guidelines. Kevin reviews your full credit picture and, if you're not quite ready, shows you exactly what to work on and how long it may take.
How much are closing costs for a first-time buyer?
Closing costs often run about 2% to 5% of the purchase price, depending on the loan, location and taxes. Seller credits and some assistance programs can help cover them. Kevin gives you an estimate up front so there are no surprises.
How long does it take to buy a first home?
Getting pre-approved can often happen the same day once your documents are in. From an accepted offer to closing typically takes about 30 to 45 days. Kevin builds your timeline around your lease, your savings goals and the market.
Does Kevin help first-time buyers outside Central Ohio?
Yes. Kevin is based in Central Ohio and works with first-time buyers in Powell, Dublin, Delaware, Westerville, Lewis Center, Plain City, Marysville and across the Columbus area. He's also personally licensed in Ohio, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.

Ready to get pre-approved?

Start your secure application online, and I'll review it personally.

Get Pre-Approved

Not sure where to start?

Book a free 15-minute game plan call. We'll talk through your goals, timeline and budget, and map out your next steps.

Book a Game Plan Call
Client reviews

Don't take my word for it.
Take theirs.

450+client reviews across three platforms,
rated 4.95 to 5.0 out of 5 on every one.
Experience.com
4.95★★★★★★★★★★
360+ client reviews
Read reviews on Experience.com
Google
5.0★★★★★★★★★★
60+ client reviews
Read reviews on Google
Zillow
5.0★★★★★★★★★★
30+ client reviews
Read reviews on Zillow
Kevin Dull made refinancing our home a smooth and stress-free experience. He was knowledgeable, responsive, and kept us informed every step of the way. We truly appreciated his professionalism and would highly recommend him to anyone looking to refinance or purchase a home!
Amy S.Refinance
Kevin is amazing! Not only was our home buying experience fast & efficient, Kevin secured us a great rate the we were really pleased with. Buying a home can be overwhelming, but having someone like Kevin handle our loan made all the difference. Kevin's a great listener & he communicated with us at all hours of the day--which we appreciated!
Jared C.Home purchase
I highly recommend Kevin for your mortgage financing needs. We just finalized on a refi with Kevin. It was the smoothest process. From start to finish in less than three weeks. He was very responsive even on the weekends. We will be reaching out to Kevin for any future needs. His knowledge and attention to detail and personalization for what works best for you is five star!
Kim S.Refinance
Kevin is trustworthy, hardworking, and incredibly knowledgeable. He goes above and beyond to ensure his clients get the best possible loan options while making the process smooth and stress-free. I can't recommend Kevin enough if you want a great mortgage broker!
Mike C.Mortgage client

Ratings as shown on each platform as of October 2026. Review counts rounded down. Testimonials are from real clients, shared word for word; every client’s experience is different.

Start here

Get your rate
in minutes.

Tell me a little about what you're planning. I'll come back with real numbers — usually within a few hours.

  • Answers in hours, not daysMost quotes back the same day
  • No obligation, no pressureCompare before you commit to anything
  • A real person repliesMe — not an auto-responder
YOUR OPTIONS150+Lender ALender BLender CBEST FITQUOTEREADY

Free rate quote

Takes about a minute.

Prefer to apply now? Start the full application.

Loan officers: join the team
Thinking about the broker side? Let's talk.
Move to the broker channel with KD The Broker and a growing team of top originators at Edge Home Finance, LLC. 150+ wholesale lenders, a brand of your own, and a confidential conversation first.
See If It's a Fit Weekly confidential info call · No pressure
Apply Now — Free & No Obligation
1
Oscar
Oscar 🐾
Kevin's co-pilot · Usually replies fast
Woof! 🐾 I'm Oscar — Kevin's black pug and unofficial co-pilot. What brings you here today?