Is buying right for me?
Start with your goals, savings, and a payment that fits your life.
Build your homebuying budgetExplore a mortgage payment
California home purchase loans
Your first home starts with a clear plan.
Dreaming of a place to call your own? Melissa Alves helps you understand your budget, compare mortgage options, and take your next step with confidence.
Buying your first home—or your next one—can feel simpler with someone in your corner.
Start Your Pre-Approval
Call/Text Melissa
Which home can I afford?
Look beyond the price tag to your full monthly cost.
Use the mortgage calculatorUnderstand down payment and costsGet Educated
A little knowledge makes a big difference. Find answers before you start your home search.
How does buying work?
Know what happens from the first conversation to closing day.
See the four key stepsRead first-time buyer questionsWhat comes next?
Review financing and prepare for a lender’s evaluation.
Explore loan optionsBegin your pre-approval applicationTurn your plans into progress
Get Started
You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Let’s make a plan for your California home purchase.
Start your pre-approval
Learn what a lender may approve before you make an offer. Melissa will help you prepare and understand your options.
Start My ApplicationPlan your home search
Talk through your price range, timeline, and preferred neighborhoods so you can shop with a realistic budget.
Call/Text Melissa
From the first question to the keys
Your homebuying journey
A clear path for first-time and repeat buyers throughout California.
Set your budget
Consider your income, debts, savings, and a comfortable payment. Include taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance, and any HOA dues.
Get pre-approved
Gather income, asset, and debt documents for the lender’s review. Pre-approval is conditional and is not a final loan commitment.
Find your home
Shop within your budget and work with your real estate agent on an offer. Review inspections and purchase contract details.
Prepare to close
The lender reviews the property and updated finances. Confirm final terms, cash to close, and closing documents before signing.
Find a loan that fits your goals
Explore your mortgage options
Melissa can help you compare upfront costs, monthly payments, and program requirements.
Conventional loans
Explore conventional financing and compare down payment, monthly payment, and mortgage insurance options with Melissa.
Learn about Conventional loans →FHA loans
Explore government-insured financing and how its down payment and mortgage insurance requirements work.
Learn about FHA loans →VA loans
Eligible veterans, service members, and qualifying surviving spouses can explore VA home loan benefits.
Learn about VA loans →Compare your payment
Estimate a monthly payment, then review conventional and other available options with Melissa.
Open the mortgage calculator →Explore mortgage rates →Loan availability, down payment requirements, and approval depend on your qualifications, the property, and lender underwriting. A low down payment does not mean zero closing costs.
Compare your financing options
Conventional home loans
Buying your first home or your next one? Talk with Melissa about conventional financing, your down payment, credit profile, and total monthly payment.
Review available programs, mortgage insurance, closing costs, and lender requirements to see how conventional financing compares with FHA and VA options.
Your local guide. Your next chapter.
Meet Melissa Alves
From Modesto and the Central Valley to communities across California, I help buyers navigate financing with clear answers and personal guidance. Let’s talk about what homeownership looks like for you.
Mortgage Loan Officer · NMLS #1993867
Alves Mortgage Team · Powered by NEXA Mortgage
Call/Text Melissa
Answers before you apply
First-time homebuyer questions
How much should I save before buying?
Plan for your down payment, closing costs, moving expenses, and a financial cushion. Your required funds depend on the loan program and purchase. Melissa can help you review an estimate for your situation.
What documents should I prepare?
Lenders commonly request income and employment information, asset statements, identification, and details about debts. Additional documents may be needed based on your income type and loan program.
Does pre-approval guarantee my mortgage?
No. Pre-approval is conditional. Final approval depends on lender underwriting, the property, and verification of your financial information. Keep your credit and funds stable during the process.
Can I buy a home with existing debt?
Existing debt does not automatically prevent a purchase. A lender considers your income, monthly debt payments, credit, and other requirements. Talk with Melissa to understand how your situation may be evaluated.
Where does Melissa help homebuyers?
Melissa Alves serves homebuyers throughout California, including Modesto and the Central Valley. Call or text 209-702-8480 to discuss your purchase plans.
