A Guide To First-Time Home Buyer Programs, Loans And Grants

If you're a first-time home buyer, there are several programs that exist on the federal and state levels to help you afford a home. Even if you’re not a first-time buyer, you may still be able to qualify for some of these programs if you haven’t bought a home in a while.

To take advantage of these programs, it’s important to understand the different types that are available and how they’re designed to help.

Who Qualifies For First-Time Home Buyer Loan Programs?

Whether you qualify for a first-time home buyer program or loan depends on the specific eligibility requirements established by the mortgage lender, agency, employer or other financial institution. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a first-time home buyer is someone who has not owned a principal residence in the previous 3 years, though others might fall under additional criteria.

In many cases, you’ll have to be within certain income limits to qualify for the loans and programs that provide assistance to moderate- to low-income borrowers.

Check your credit score, debt-to-income ratio (DTI) and other qualifying factors before applying for a specific first-time home buyer program, grant or mortgage.

Types Of First-Time Home Buyer Programs

First-time home buyer costs can seem overwhelming. Affording the down payment and closing costs are among the biggest barriers to becoming a homeowner. Luckily, there are several loan programs and grants that can assist you, including charitable and government-sponsored programs. Local and federal tax credits can also lessen these costs, and educational programs can offer help at every step.

These programs come with different requirements, which can impact everything from the interest rates offered to the down payment required.

Government-Backed Home Loans

A government loan, or a mortgage loan backed by the federal government, can help qualified first-time home buyers purchase a house with a reduced down payment, and in some instances no down payment at all.

There are government programs on both the federal and state level. We’ll cover these types of loans in more detail later on in the article.

Down Payment Assistance

The down payment is one of the most expensive aspects of purchasing a home. A down payment is required for most types of mortgage loans. Fortunately, many participating lenders accept down payment assistance, which can help you cover the upfront costs of a down payment.

Down payment assistance programs are typically grants or low- to no-interest loans, and many are exclusive to first-time home buyers. The specific assistance programs you qualify for can impact how you can use your funds and whether you’ll need to pay them back.

Tax Deductions

You can save money on your taxes through various tax deductions, which can also help reduce the costs of homeownership for first-time home buyers. Federal and state deductions can lower your taxable household income.

For example, you can deduct the cost of mortgage interest paid on a primary residence and one second home from your federal taxes on the first $750,000 of your mortgage loan ($375,000 if married filing separately).

Additional deductions and credits, like mortgage credit certificates, may also be available through your state or local government.

Closing Cost Assistance

Like down payment assistance, there are government-sponsored and private programs that can help you pay closing costs. Closing costs are additional fees you pay at the end of the mortgage process. Closing costs are typically around 3% – 6% of the total loan amount. Like down payment assistance, closing cost assistance can come through a grant or loan.

Home Buyer Education Programs

You can take advantage of online educational programs and resources if you aren’t sure how to start your home search. A good first-time home buying class can be free or low-priced, and can teach you about your home loan options, the buying process and how to apply for a mortgage. Browse real estate courses online and look for ones aimed at first-time home buyers. It’s worth noting that some educational programs may require specific courses.

Not sure where to start? Check out these tips for first-time home buyers.

Federal First-Time Home Buyer Programs

You can take advantage of federal, state and local government programs when you buy a home. Federal programs are open to anyone who’s a citizen or legal resident of the U.S. Though not everyone qualifies for every program, you don’t need to live in a specific state to get federal assistance. Here are some of the most popular federal programs for first-time home buyers:

• FHA loans: FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Eligible home buyers who have a credit score of at least 580 can take out an FHA home loan with a 3.5% down payment.
• VA loans: VA loans provide affordable housing options to qualified veterans, service members and surviving spouses courtesy of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA loans don’t require a down payment and have flexible credit score requirements for borrowers.
• USDA loans: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans are designed for eligible home buyers in certain rural areas of the U.S. Some USDA loans don’t require a down payment on the home purchase, and lenders are usually looking for a credit score between 620 and 640. At this time, Rocket Mortgage^® does not offer USDA loans.
• Conventional 97 mortgage loan: A conventional 97 loan lets eligible home buyers borrow up to 97% of the home’s value with a down payment as low as 3%. To qualify, at least one borrower must be a first-time home buyer with a minimum credit score of 620.
• Good Neighbor Next Door: Are you a teacher, emergency medical technician, firefighter or law enforcement officer? You can take advantage of the Good Neighbor Next Door program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program offers a generous 50% off select HUD properties.
• HomePath^® Ready Buyer™ Program: Government-sponsored mortgage financing enterprise Fannie Mae offers first-time home buyers the chance to buy a foreclosed property for as little as 3% down with their HomePath program. You can even apply for up to 3% of your closing costs back through the program as well.