How much do you need down?
You may not need 20%. We'll walk through realistic down payment amounts for today's loan programs.
Free Orange County homebuyer workshop
Sick of spending thousands a month in rent? You may be closer to owning than you think.
Spend an hour with a local Realtor and a mortgage pro. Learn how much you may really need for a down payment, how to lower the monthly payment, and how your rent compares to buying.
Reserve My Free Seat
Free · No obligation · Coffee's on us
- Down payment assistance
- Rate buydowns
- Off-market homes
Real stories
From renting to owning: real stories from local homebuyers
Here's what first-time buyers said about working with Parker, in their own words.
My wife and I are first-time home buyers in the Irvine area… He fought for us and did the negotiations for the property. He even got the tankless water heater fixed, which saved us thousands of dollars. So overall, we're incredibly happy with the service that Parker provided us.
As first time home buyers, we had a lot of questions and a lot of doubts. Parker helped us out here… Thanks to Parker, we got it done, and we now have a forever home where we plan on making a lot of memories.
See What's Possible for Me
Local renters have already made the move to owning with Sean & Parker.
What you'll learn
Smart strategies for buying a home in Orange County
Plain-English answers to the questions renters ask us most. No jargon, no pressure.
Down payment assistance
Which programs eligible buyers can use to help bridge the gap on upfront costs, and who tends to qualify.
Lower-payment strategies
How rate buydowns, including 2-1 buydowns, and seller credits can reduce the first years' payments or your closing costs.
Off-market opportunities
How buyers find homes beyond the public listing sites, and what Orange County price ranges really look like.
Credit & buying readiness
What lenders actually look at, what matters most, and the simple things you can improve first.
Your personal roadmap
The step-by-step path from pre-approval to keys, so you know exactly what to do next, whenever you're ready.
Rent vs. own
Bring your rent payment. We'll show you the math.
Paying $3,000, $4,000, $5,000 or more every month? We'll put your current rent next to a possible mortgage payment so you can see the real numbers for yourself.
What we'll compare together
Your monthly rent todayyou bring it
Down payment you may needless than 20%?
Help availableDPA programs
Year-one paymentbuydown options
Your next stepa clear plan
Not sure you're ready?
Think you're not ready to buy? That's exactly why you should come.
Plenty of people who come are months away from buying, or still figuring out whether they can. This workshop is free, educational, and comes with no obligation.
- You don't need to be pre-approvedWe'll explain what pre-approval is and when to get it.
- You don't need 20% savedMany buyers put down far less. We'll show you the options.
- You don't need to buy anytime soonCome to learn. Leave with a plan for whenever the timing is right.
- No sales pitchJust coffee, breakfast, and straight answers to your questions.
Your hosts
Meet the experts
A local Realtor and a local lender who help Orange County renters become first-time buyers.
Parker Mallough
Realtor · Coldwell Banker Realty
- Irvine native
- C.A.R. Certified First-Time Home Buyer Specialist
- C.A.R. Certified Real Estate Negotiator
- Luxury Property Specialist
- 50+ real estate transactions, over $25 million sold
DRE #02137878949-648-2658
Sean McDowell
The Mortgage Dad · Promise Home Loans
- 26 years in the mortgage industry
- Producing Regional Manager, Promise Home Loans
- Specializes in down payment assistance programs
- Helps buyers compare rent to a real monthly payment
NMLS #196636Promise Home Loans NMLS #2372318714-697-8667
Event details
Saturday morning in Irvine
- Date
- Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Time
- 9:30 – 10:30 AMAbout one hour, plus time for questions
- Venue
- Parker's Irvine officeAcross from Serrano
- Address
- 300 Commerce, Suite 250Irvine, CA 92602
- Cost
- FreeCoffee and breakfast included
Save your seat
Reserve your free seat
- Tap the button below. Registration opens on Eventbrite in a new tab.
- Enter your name and email. Add a guest if you're buying with someone.
- Get your confirmation. Eventbrite emails your confirmation and ticket right away.
Questions before you register? Call or text Parker at 949-648-2658 or Sean at 714-697-8667. Your registration is handled by Eventbrite under its privacy policy.
FAQ
Questions people ask before coming
Is the workshop really free?
Yes. Admission is free, and coffee and breakfast are on us.
Do I need to be pre-approved?
No. You don't need a pre-approval, a lender, or an agent to attend. We'll explain how pre-approval works and when it makes sense to get one.
What if I'm not ready to buy?
That's the best time to come. Many attendees are months away from buying. You'll leave knowing what to work on and roughly what your timeline could look like.
Can I bring a guest?
Yes. If you'd be buying with a partner, family member, or roommate, bring them. Please add them when you register so we have enough coffee and breakfast.
Will there be a sales presentation?
No. This is an educational workshop. There's no obligation to work with either of us. If you'd like a one-on-one conversation afterward, we're happy to set one up.
How long is the workshop?
About an hour, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, with time for your questions.
Where do I park?
The workshop is at 300 Commerce, Suite 250, Irvine, across from Serrano. If you need help finding it or parking, call or text Parker at 949-648-2658.
Your homebuying journey starts here.
Join us for coffee, practical advice, and a clearer understanding of your options.
Reserve My Free Seat ↗