First-Time Home Buyer Programs & Grants

Ready to buy a home of your own? A first-time home buyer program might be just what you need to get your foot in the door.

Why bother researching special programs? Possible free money, for one thing. You might qualify for financial assistance to help with your closing costs or down payment. Also, the underwriting guidelines can be more generous than they are for other types of mortgages. For a first-time buyer, the credit score needed for a mortgage may be lower than you think.

Take a look.

What is a first-time home buyer program?

A first-time home buyer program is a mortgage program designed to help remove typical obstacles to owning a home. Benefits include free homeownership education, more generous underwriting guidelines, and help with the down payment or closing costs.

Who qualifies for first-time home buyer programs?

Qualifying as a first-time buyer usually means that you have not owned or co-owned a home within the previous three years ending on your loan closing date. Some programs are available to co-applicants (such as a couple buying a home together) as long as one person qualifies as a first-timer.

You'll also have to meet the other requirements specified by the program or the lender. For example, you may need to satisfy the lender's minimum credit score or complete a homeownership education course.

First-time home buyer programs, grants & loans

Here are some of the most popular home loan programs for first-time buyers.

FHA loan

Who it's great for: An FHA loan is a great option for a borrower who needs a low-down-payment mortgage. It can be especially helpful for someone with a lower credit score.

What it is: A mortgage loan insured by the Federal Housing Authority.

• 3.5% minimum down payment with a 580 credit score.
• 10% minimum down payment with a 500 credit score.
• Most FHA lenders will want you to have at least one month's cash reserves in savings.
• With this loan, you'll pay two kinds of mortgage insurance: one upfront insurance premium when you get your loan and an annual insurance premium based on your loan balance each year.

Where to find it: Most mortgage lenders offer these types of loans. To help you start your research, we analyzed dozens of lenders' products and services to create a list of the best FHA lenders.

VA loan

Who it's great for: A VA loan is for eligible service members, veterans, and some spouses. If you qualify, it's a great way to buy a home with little-to-no money out of pocket.

What it is: A home loan insured by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Zero down payment requirement.
• The VA does not stipulate a minimum credit score, but lenders usually look for a 640 credit score.
• No private mortgage insurance, but you'll pay a funding fee equal to 1.4% to 3.6% of the loan amount. The percentage you pay depends on whether you've used this benefit before and the size of your down payment. In most cases, you can choose to roll the funding fee into your loan or pay it out of pocket at closing.

Where to find it: Many mortgage lenders offer these loans, but a few make it their specialty. Our list of the best VA lenders can help you get started.

USDA loan

Who it's great for: A USDA mortgage loan program is specifically designed for lower income families in rural communities.

What it is: A home loan insured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• Zero down payment requirement.
• The USDA does not stipulate a minimum credit score, but lenders usually want to see a score of 640.
• USDA loan borrowers pay two kinds of mortgage insurance: The upfront guarantee fee is equal to 1% of the loan amount. The annual fee is equal to 0.35% of your loan balance. That fee is calculated once a year and added to your monthly payments.

Where to find it: We rounded up the best USDA lenders to help you start your research.

Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac

Who it's great for: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac home loans are for any potential borrower looking for help overcoming common obstacles to owning a home.

What it is: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the home mortgage companies created by the federal government to insure mortgages. You can get Fannie and Freddie loans from your lender.

Both have loans designed to help first-time home buyers become homeowners. Here are a few examples of programs they offer:

• Fannie Mae 97% LTV conventional mortgage program for first-time home buyers and people refinancing Fannie Mae loans. This is a great option for someone with good credit who wants to make a small down payment.
• Fannie Mae HomeReady® mortgage program for low-income borrowers. You'll need a credit score of at least 620.
• Freddie Mac HomeOne℠ mortgage for first-time buyers. This 3% down-payment loan has no income or geographic restrictions.
• Freddie Mac Home Possible® mortgage for borrowers who have a low income. Use this map to check property and income eligibility.

Where to find it: Most of the best mortgage lenders offer one or more Fannie or Freddie home loans.

Fannie Mae’s HomePath ReadyBuyer Program

Who it's great for: The HomePath® Ready Buyer™ program is for first-time home buyers who are willing to take a homeownership education course.

What it is: A way to get up to 3% off closing costs.

• This program is only for people buying a HomePath home.
• Requires a 620 credit score.
• You must complete an approved home-buyer education course and receive a certificate of completion before you submit your initial offer on the home.
• You must use the property as your primary residence within 60 days of closing.

Where to find it: Eligibility hinges on language that you will add to your purchase contract. It's a good idea to work with a real estate agent who is familiar with the program. If your agent isn't, you can get guidance directly from Fannie Mae via the HomePath website.

National Homebuyers Fund

Who it's great for: The National Homebuyers Fund is for low- and middle-income buyers who want assistance with down payments.

What it is: A nonprofit organization that provides assistance with down payments in the form of gifts and forgivable loans.

• Flexible credit score and debt-to-income (DTI) requirements
• Generous income limits
• Works with many popular programs, including the FHA, USDA, and VA loans

Where to find it: Contact the National Homebuyers Fund at 866-643-4968 for a list of participating lenders.

Energy-efficient mortgage (EEM)

Who it's great for: The FHA's EEM (energy-efficient mortgage) is great for energy-conscious home buyers who want to invest now for long-term lower utility costs.

What it is: A loan option for borrowers who want to finance energy-efficient improvements.

• The borrower only has to qualify for the loan amount, not the additional funds to upgrade
• Final loan amount can exceed loan limit by the cost of the upgrades
• Only for upgrades recommended by an FHA-approved energy assessor
• Only for upgrades that will result in savings that are bigger than the cost to upgrade

Where to find it: The request for an EEM has to come from the FHA lender. When you research lenders, ask if they can do an EEM.

Mortgage credit certificates

Who it's great for: First-time buyers who have a lower income or for repeat buyers purchasing a home in a designated distressed area.

What it is: A nonrefundable tax credit equal to a portion of the mortgage interest paid, up to $2,000. This tax credit can reduce your federal tax liability. If your tax liability is smaller than your tax credit, you won't get a refund for the difference.

• Applies to new mortgages.
• You must meet income limits to qualify.
• Programs are run by states, and not all states have one.
• You may be subject to residence and occupancy rules.

Where to find it: You will request the mortgage credit certificate from your state's Housing Finance Authority via an approved lender prior to your loan closing. Ask your lender about it while you're still shopping for a mortgage.

State & local first-time home buyer programs and grants

Who it's great for: State and local first-time home buyer programs and grants are for people who need help with their down payment and closing costs.

What it is: A mortgage program designed to lower barriers to owning a home by helping with the down payment, closing costs, mortgage insurance, or other common financial obstacles.

• Grants and forgivable loans do not have to be paid back.
• Deferred payment loans usually do not have to be repaid until you sell, refinance, finish paying off the primary mortgage, or turn the home into a rental.
• May be subject to income limits.
• Home-buyer education may be required.

Where to find it: Most programs are run by the city or county. Start with your state's Housing Finance Authority, or search for your state on HUD's website and then look for the section called "Homeownership Assistance." Each program has its own requirements and approved lenders.

Good Neighbor Next Door

Who it's great for: The Good Neighbor Next Door program is a home-buyer assistance program for firefighters, law enforcement officers, teachers, and emergency medical technicians buying a home in a designated revitalization area.

What it is: A way to buy a single-family home for 50% off its appraised value and only $100 down.

• Only applies to eligible homes listed exclusively for sale through this program.
• You must live in the home as your principal residence for three years after closing.
• The price discount is reflected on a silent second mortgage that has no required payments and is forgiven after you fulfill the occupancy requirements.
• No bidding wars -- multiple offers are decided by lottery.

Where to find it: You can find eligible homes on HUD's homestore website. From any listing, you can click the Find A Broker button to find a registered broker who can submit your offer. Each property is only available for seven days.

Dollar Homes

Who it's great for: Dollar Homes are for families with low-to-moderate incomes.

What it is: A way to buy a HUD home for $1 plus closing costs.

• Income limits apply.
• Eligible properties were on the market for six months but didn't sell.
• Market value must be $25,000 or below.

Where to find it: This program is administered by states. Check HUD to find available properties, and then click the Find A Broker button to make an offer. Dollar Homes are rarely available.

FHA Section 203(k)

Who it's great for: The FHA Section 203(k) loan is for buyers who want to borrow extra money for renovations or improvements.

What it is: A home loan that covers both the purchase and the property rehabilitation.

• Funds can be used for renovation, remodeling, modernization, energy conservation upgrades, structural alterations, elimination of safety hazards, disability access, and many other uses.
• For your primary residence only (not for an investment property).
• The loan is based on expected value post-renovations.

Where to find it: You can use HUD's lender search tool to find a participating lender that has done a 203(k) loan in the last 12 months. This won't show you all approved lenders, but it will tell you whether the mortgage lender you want to work with has recent experience navigating this program. Enter the name of the lender and check the 203(k) box.

Native American Direct Loan

Who it's great for: The Native American Direct Loan is for Native American veterans and some spouses.

What it is: A low cost mortgage loan for Native American veterans who are members of participating tribes and buying a home on federal trust land.

• Must live in the home.
• No down payment or PMI; limited closing costs and low mortgage interest rate.
• Non-Native American veterans married to a Native American may be eligible.
• Can use funds for purchase, build, or improve a home.

Where to find it: First get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and then contact a VA home loan representative at 1-877-827-3702.

First-time home buyer program eligibility and requirements

Here are the eligibility guidelines that apply to most first-time home buyer programs. You'll need to get specific requirements from any lender you apply with.

• You can't have owned or co-owned a residence at any time during the three years prior to closing. That includes any home you don't live in.
• Minimum credit score usually between 580 and 640.
• Maximum DTI of 50% or higher.
• Some programs are for buyers whose household income is below a certain threshold.
• You may need to move into the home within a certain number of days after closing.
• You may need to maintain the home as your primary residence for a certain number of years.
• You may need to make a minimum contribution to the transaction with your own money.
• Some programs are for homes located in eligible locations.
• The home's appraised value may not exceed program limits, usually corresponding to conforming loan limits. In 2021, the limit for a one-unit property is $548,250 in most of the U.S.

Use a mortgage calculator to figure out how much home you can afford as you get ready to apply. Remember that property taxes, homeowners insurance, homeowners association fees, private mortgage insurance, utilities, and maintenance are all expenses of owning a home. Whether you're looking for a condo in the city or a starter home in the country, these programs can help you step into home ownership with confidence.

Still have questions?

Here are some other questions we've answered:

• A First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide to FHA Loans
• How to Create a First-Time Homeowners’ Budget
• First-Time Home Buyer Benefits: Qualification and Requirements