First Time Home Buyers Programs – The Definitive Guide
As a first-time home buyer, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the process of buying a home. There are so many things to consider – from getting pre-approved for a mortgage, to finding the right home, to closing the deal. And with the added pressure of having to save up for a down payment, it can seem like an impossible task.
But don’t worry – there are programs available that can help first-time home buyers like you. These programs can make the process of buying a home easier and more affordable, and they can help you get into your dream home sooner than you thought possible.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about first-time home buyer programs, including:
- What are first-time home buyer programs?
- Who is Eligible for a First Time Home Buyer Program?
- How much money can you save with a first-time home buyer program?
- What are the different types of first-time home buyer programs available?
So, if you’re a first-time home buyer looking for some help, read on!

tl:dr First Time Home Buyers Programs
Program | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
FHA loans | Low down payment requirement, lenient credit score requirements | Upfront and ongoing mortgage insurance premiums, limited to certain property types |
State housing finance agencies | Down payment assistance, reduced interest rates | Availability and eligibility requirements may vary by state |
First-time home buyer grants | No repayment required, can be used for down payment or closing costs | Limited availability, may have income and asset restrictions |
VA loans | No down payment required, competitive interest rates | Only available to eligible military service members, veterans, and their spouses |
USDA loans | No down payment required, competitive interest rates | Only available to eligible home buyers in rural areas |
Good Neighbor Next Door | 50% discount on the purchase price of a home in certain revitalization areas | Limited availability, restrictions on resale |
HomeReady and Home Possible | Reduced down payment requirements, flexible credit score and income requirements | Limited availability, property restrictions |
Native American Direct Loan (NADL) | No down payment required, competitive interest rates | Only available to eligible Native American veterans |
Fannie Mae HomePath | Financing and assistance for the purchase of foreclosed homes | Limited availability, restrictions on resale |
Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) | Allows borrowers to finance energy-efficient improvements | Limited availability, must meet certain energy efficiency standards |
My Community Mortgage | Allows borrowers to obtain a mortgage with a down payment as low as 3% | Limited availability, property restrictions |
HOME Investment Partnerships Program | Provides grants to fund the development of affordable housing | Limited availability, may have income and asset restrictions |
Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program | Mortgage guarantees for eligible Native American borrowers | Only available for certain types of properties |
What are first-time home buyer programs?
First-time home buyer programs are government-sponsored initiatives that help first-time home buyers get into a home of their own. These programs are designed to make the process of buying a home more affordable and accessible for first-time home buyers, who may not have a lot of money saved up for a down payment or may have credit challenges that make it difficult to get approved for a mortgage.
First-time home buyer programs can offer a variety of benefits, including:
- Down payment assistance: Many first-time home buyer programs offer financial assistance to help with the cost of a down payment. This can be a huge help for first-time home buyers who may not have a lot of money saved up for a down payment, as it can make it easier to get approved for a mortgage and can help you get into your dream home sooner.
- Lower interest rates: Some first-time home buyer programs offer lower interest rates on mortgages, which can save you a significant amount of money over the life of your loan. This can be especially helpful for first-time home buyers who may not have a lot of money to put down on a home, as it can make it easier to afford your monthly mortgage payments.
- Grants: Some programs offer grants that do not have to be repaid. These grants can be used to help cover the costs associated with buying a home.
- Tax credits: Some programs offer tax credits to help offset the costs associated with buying a home.

Most Popular First Time Home Buyers Programs
Program | Description |
---|---|
The $25,000 Downpayment Toward Equity Program | Offers up to $20,000 to first-generation home buyers and an additional $5,000 to buyers with disadvantaged backgrounds |
The National Homebuyers Fund | Offers up to 5% of a home’s purchase price |
State and Local Government Cash Grants | Offers grants of up to $50,000 |
FHFA First-Time Home Buyer Mortgage Rate Discount | Offers mortgage rate discounts of up to 2 percentage points |
Low- and No-Down Payment Mortgages | Offers low-down payment mortgages with a down payment of 5% or less |
1. The $25,000 Downpayment Toward Equity Program
This program offers up to $20,000 in cash to first-generation home buyers, with an additional $5,000 available for buyers with disadvantaged backgrounds. You can use this money to make a down payment, pay closing costs, cover state and local taxes, and lower your mortgage rate with discount points.
The program is expected to pass into law in Q1 2023, so check your eligibility now to see if you can benefit from this program.
2. The National Homebuyers Fund
The National Homebuyers Fund is a great option for first-time home buyers looking for financial assistance. This non-profit public benefit corporation offers up to 5% of a home’s purchase price to help cover the costs of purchasing a home. In exchange for this cash, home buyers must agree to live in their home and make payments for at least five years.
Renters cannot apply for this grant directly – only your mortgage company can do it. Call (916) 444-2615 to get a list of participating lenders and take the first step towards owning your own home.
3. State and Local Government Cash Grants
State and local governments often offer cash grants to help first-time home buyers afford their new home. These grants can range from $500 to $50,000 and can be used towards mortgage closing costs, mortgage rate reductions, and down payments.
To be eligible for these grants, you typically need to have a minimum credit rating and earn an income within a certain range. To find out what grants are available in your area, visit your municipality’s website and search for “housing assistance” or “housing grants.” Review the program requirements to see if you qualify.
Who is Eligible for a First Time Home Buyers Programs?
The eligibility requirements for first time home buyer programs vary depending on the program and the state or local area where you live. In general, however, most programs are designed for people who have not owned a home in the past three to five years. This means that if you have owned a home at any point in the past, you may not be eligible for certain programs.
In the United States, the eligibility requirements for first-time home buyer programs can vary depending on the specific program and the state in which you live. In general, however, most programs have similar eligibility requirements, which may include:
- Being a first-time home buyer, which is typically defined as someone who has not owned a home within the last three years.
- Meeting certain income requirements, which may vary depending on the program and your location.
- Occupying the home as your primary residence.
- Meeting certain credit score requirements, which may also vary depending on the program and your location.
It’s important to note that in addition to these general eligibility requirements, some programs may have additional requirements or restrictions, such as limits on the type of property you can purchase or the maximum purchase price for the home.
To find out the specific eligibility requirements for first-time home buyer programs in your area, you should contact a local housing agency or check with your state’s housing finance agency.

How much money can you save with First Time Home Buyers Programs?
First-time home buyer programs in the United States can help you save thousands of dollars when you purchase your first home. For example, some programs offer down payment assistance, which can help you cover a portion of your down payment and reduce the amount of money you need to save upfront. This can be especially helpful for first-time home buyers who may not have a lot of money saved for a down payment.
Additionally, some programs offer reduced interest rates on mortgages, which can save you money over the life of your loan. For example, let’s say you are able to secure a mortgage with an interest rate of 4% through a first-time home buyer program, compared to the market rate of 5%. Over the course of a 30-year loan, this could save you tens of thousands of dollars in interest payments.
Furthermore, some programs also offer closing cost assistance, which can help you save money on fees and charges associated with purchasing a home. These fees and charges can add up quickly and can be a significant expense for first-time home buyers. By taking advantage of a first-time home buyer program, you may be able to reduce or eliminate some of these costs and save even more money on your purchase.
Program Benefit | Estimated Savings |
---|---|
Down payment assistance | $3,000 – $10,000 |
Reduced mortgage interest rate | $10,000 – $50,000 |
Closing cost assistance | $1,000 – $5,000 |
*Savings estimates will vary depending on the specific program, the amount of the down payment, and the size of the mortgage. These estimates are for illustrative purposes only and are not a guarantee of savings.
What First Time Home Buyers Programs are available in the US?
HUD First-time home buyer programs
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers several first-time home buyer programs to help eligible individuals and families purchase a home. Some of the programs offered by HUD include:
- FHA loans: The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers loans specifically for first-time home buyers. These loans have lower down payment requirements and more lenient credit score requirements than traditional mortgages, making it easier for first-time home buyers to qualify.
- Good Neighbor Next Door: This program, administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides home buyers with a 50% discount on the purchase price of a home in certain revitalization areas.
- Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program: This program provides mortgage guarantees to eligible Native American borrowers to help them obtain affordable financing to purchase, build, or improve a home on trust land.
Other first-time home buyer programs
- VA loans: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers loans to eligible military service members, veterans, and their spouses. These loans have no down payment requirement and offer competitive interest rates, making them a good option for first-time home buyers.
- USDA loans: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers loans to eligible home buyers in rural areas. These loans have no down payment requirement and offer competitive interest rates, making them a good option for first-time home buyers who want to purchase a home in a rural area.
- State housing finance agencies: NCSHA Many states have their own housing finance agencies that offer first-time home buyer programs. These programs may provide down payment assistance, reduced interest rates, or other benefits to help first-time home buyers purchase a home.
- HomeReady and Home Possible: These are mortgage programs offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, respectively. They are designed to help first-time home buyers, low-income buyers, and buyers in underserved areas obtain affordable mortgages.
- Native American Direct Loan (NADL): This program, offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, provides home loans to eligible Native American veterans to purchase, build, or improve a home on federal trust land.
- Fannie Mae HomePath: This program offers financing and assistance for the purchase of foreclosed homes owned by Fannie Mae.
- Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM): This program, offered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), allows home buyers to borrow additional money to make energy-efficient improvements to their home.
- My Community Mortgage: This program, offered by Fannie Mae, allows home buyers to obtain a mortgage with a down payment as low as 3% of the purchase price.
- HOME Investment Partnerships Program: This program, administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides grants to states and local governments to fund the development of affordable housing for first-time home buyers.

First Time Home Buyers Programs – First Time Home Buyers Programs – First Time Home Buyers Programs – First Time Home Buyers Programs – First Time Home Buyers Programs – First Time Home Buyers Programs – First Time Home Buyers Programs – First Time Home Buyers Programs
In conclusion, first-time home buyer programs can make the process of purchasing a home easier and more affordable. There are many different types of programs available, and the specific programs and benefits offered can vary depending on where you live. To learn more about the programs available in your area.
First Time Home Buyers Loans
First-time home buyer loans are mortgage loans specifically designed for first-time home buyers. These loans often have more flexible eligibility requirements and can be more forgiving of a less-than-perfect credit history. First-time home buyer programs, on the other hand, are programs or initiatives that provide assistance to first-time home buyers.
Loan | Minimum FICO Score | Down Payment | Income Requirements |
---|---|---|---|
HomeReady | 620 | 3% | Low- to moderate-income |
Home Possible | 660 | 3% | Low- to moderate-income |
Conventional 97 | 620 | 3% | All income levels |
FHA Mortgage | 580 | 3.5% | – |
USDA Mortgage | 580 | 0% | Modest income |
VA Mortgage | 620 | 0% | – |
Tips for First Time Home Buyers
- Start by determining how much you can afford to spend on a home and how much you need to save for a down payment. This will help you set a budget and stay on track as you begin the home buying process.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much you can borrow and help you narrow down your search to homes within your budget.
- Consider hiring a real estate agent to help you find and negotiate the purchase of your first home. An experienced agent can provide valuable guidance and advice throughout the process.
- Take the time to research and compare different mortgage options to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.
- Be prepared for closing costs, which are fees associated with the purchase of your home. These costs can add up, so it’s important to save for them in advance.
- Make a strong offer on the home you want. If you’re in a competitive market, you may need to be prepared to move quickly and make a strong offer to secure the home you want.
- Be prepared for unexpected expenses. Owning a home can be expensive, so it’s important to have a savings cushion in case of emergencies or unexpected expenses.
< Home | First Time Home Buyer Programs
First Time Home Buyers Programs – First Time Home Buyers Programs – First Time Home Buyers Programs – First Time Home Buyers Programs – First Time Home Buyers Programs – First Time Home Buyers Programs – first Time Home Buyers Programs – First Time Home Buyers Programs