Would I qualify as a first-time home buyer?

[Youngwoon Han]

Hi all,

I got married last year and moved to another state following my spouse's job. Before the marriage, I purchased a house where I lived. I still own that house and use it as a rental. I would like to buy a home where my wife and I can live in the state that we moved into. This is my wife's first job, so she won't get much of $$ on her mortgage alone, but I want her to eventually get a mortgage under her name once she establishes her income in the next couple of years. Meanwhile, I want to try and get a mortgage under my name to buy a house here. Let's assume my income is large enough for me to get a decent size mortgage (which I am not sure and have to find out haha). My question is, in this circumstance, would I qualify for, one, FHA loan (the first mortgage is conventional); two, when I apply for pre-approval, can I not say it's my first home even if I qualify for an FHA (assuming I do). Generally, what would be the best option for me as far as looking to get another mortgage? I am planning on living in the house that I purchase.

Thanks in advance