Best First-Time Home Buyer Government Programs For 2024

Get help buying your first home

Buying your first home can be challenging, especially when it comes to getting approved for a mortgage and coming up with the down payment. Thankfully, there are plenty of first-time home buyer government programs that can make things easier.

Dig deeper and find out about various loan options, state-run mortgage programs, down payment assistance, and other resources available to eligible buyers.

In this article (Skip to...)

• Overview
• Government loans
• Government grants
• Down payment assistance
• Closing costs assistance
• Tax credits
• Home buyer education

First-time home buyer government programs

First-time buyers can face plenty of hurdles on the road to homeownership — whether it’s saving for a down payment and closing costs, qualifying for a mortgage loan, or simply navigating the home buying process. Luckily, there are government programs both at the federal and state level that can help.

• Government loans: Mortgage programs with flexible eligibility requirements to help first-time buyers qualify for a home loan
• Down payment assistance: Government grants and loans that can be applied towards the down payment on a new home
• Closing cost assistance: Grants and loans that can be used to cover all or part of your upfront closing costs
• Government tax deductions: Mortgage credit certificates that offer federal tax breaks to first-time buyers
• Home buyer education: Educational classes that teach first-timers the basics of homeownership and the home-buying process

First-time home buyers can often use one or more of these government programs. The type of help you’re eligible for — and how much cash assistance you could receive — depends on your location and personal finances.

Government loans for first-time home buyers

There are several government loan options that are worth exploring if you need a little extra help qualifying for a mortgage:

• FHA loan: 580 credit score, 3.5% down
• HomeReady and Home Possible: 620-660 credit score, 3% down
• VA loan: 580-620 credit score, 0% down
• USDA loan: 640 credit score, 0% down

FHA home loan

FHA loans can help if you can’t afford a traditional 20% down payment or have a less-than-perfect credit score.

“You can put down as little as 3.5% at closing with an FHA loan,” says Mandie Anderson, branch manager with South Carolina-based Silverton Mortgage. “These loans have more flexible underwriting standards and are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and issued by an FHA-approved lender.”

• Credit score: FICO score over 580
• Loan limit: Current FHA loan limit for most single-family homes is $
• Upfront mortgage insurance fees: Typically 1.75% of the loan amount, rolled into the loan balance
• Annual mortgage insurance premium: Generally 0.55% of the loan amount, broken into monthly payments

The downside is that, with an FHA loan, you’ll have to pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium along with annual premiums that are paid monthly. This mortgage insurance will usually need to be paid until you pay off your mortgage or refinance into a different loan type.

HomeReady and Home Possible

An FHA loan isn’t the only low-down-payment loan option available. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — two “government-sponsored enterprises” — each offer a mortgage program with just 3% down. Fannie Mae’s low-down-payment option is called HomeReady and Freddie Mac’s is called Home Possible.

Though these aren’t technically government mortgage loans, they offer many similar benefits, such as flexible credit score and income guidelines. They also have reduced private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums, which leads to lower monthly mortgage payments.

“I typically recommend investigating this route,” says Jon Meyer, The Mortgage Reports loan expert and licensed MLO. “Unlike FHA loans, these two first-time home buyer government programs do not require refinancing to remove mortgage insurance.”

These programs are definitely worth exploring if you’re considering an FHA mortgage.

VA home loan

A VA loan is arguably the most generous government-backed loan available, but you have to be an active duty service member, veteran, surviving spouse, or other eligible applicant to qualify.

“What makes this loan different from many others is it requires no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance,” Anderson notes. She explains that “VA loans are provided by private lenders, with the Department of Veterans Affairs guaranteeing a portion of the loan. This makes it possible for the lender to offer more favorable terms and interest rates, with no minimum credit score required.”

• Credit score: No official minimum, but most lenders require FICO scores of 580-620
• Loan limit: Often limited to Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conforming loan limits, current limit for most areas is around $
• Funding/underwriting fee: Upfront funding fee between 2.3% and 3.6% depending on down payment and loan purpose. Typically rolled into the loan amount
• Must be a primary residence: You can’t use a VA loan to buy a vacation home or investment property

You will have to pay a VA funding fee, which is often between 2.3% and 3.6% of the loan amount. Many home buyers roll the VA funding fee into their mortgage to avoid paying it upfront.

USDA home loan

Backed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the USDA loan is ideal for borrowers with low incomes buying property in rural areas.

“This loan program is available to low-to-moderate income buyers in less-populated suburbs of some major cities,” Gravelle explains. “As with a VA loan, a USDA loan allows borrowers to finance up to 100%, with zero money down.”

• Credit score: Typically, scores of 640 or higher are needed
• Income limits: Household income cannot exceed 115% of the area median income where you live
• Funding/underwriting fee: Upfront mortgage insurance fee is 1%, which can be financed into your principal balance
• Additional monthly fees: 0.35% of the loan amount per year, paid monthly; this fee gets smaller every year as you pay off more of the loan
• Geographic restrictions: The property must be located in an area designated “rural” by the USDA

To qualify, your household income must meet certain guidelines and the home to be purchased must be in an eligible rural area, as defined by the USDA. However, an estimated 97% of the U.S. landmass qualifies as rural. Use the USDA’s online tool to see if your home is eligible.

Government grants for first-time home buyers

Many states have special loan programs run by their housing finance agency or a similar body. These can offer unique benefits like low interest rates and down payment assistance (DPA). Check out these links for more information and to locate a state-run mortgage or assistance program near you:

• Down payment grants in every state
• Housing finance agencies in all 50 states
• HUD local home buying programs
• HUD homeownership assistance

“There are many publicly and privately funded programs available to help first-time buyers, such as state bond loans and DPA programs,” continues Gravelle. “These programs for home buyers offer funds administered by cities, counties, housing finance agencies, nonprofits, lenders, and other groups; in some high-cost areas, even employers offer them.”

Because these programs are typically offered by local governments, the best way to learn more about them is to speak with a loan officer or local real estate agent or search online for “first-time home buyer programs” or “down payment assistance programs” in your city or county.

“Keep in mind that not everyone qualifies for these state-run programs,” says Anderson. “Factors such as income, credit score, profession, and even the location you’re looking to purchase in can determine your eligibility.”

In addition, government first-time home buyer grants often require borrowers to complete some form of homebuyer education course.

Down payment assistance for first-time home buyers

Down payment assistance programs (DPAs) help first-time buyers by covering all or part of their down payment requirements. There are thousands of DPA programs available nationwide and locally. The aid they offer comes in several different forms, including grants, loans, and credits.

As Anderson explains, “With a DPA grant, money is given to the borrower that doesn’t have to be paid back under the condition that they own and live in the home for a specified amount of time. This will typically be secured by a lien on the property until the conditions are met.”

“Alternatively, the DPA program can be a second mortgage loan offered at a low or zero interest rate that needs to be paid back or forgiven over a certain period. This most likely will also be secured by a lien on your property.”

To help find DPA programs, check out these links:

• 4 Types of DPA (Podcast)
• DPA programs in all 50 states
• Downpaymentresource.com
• Chenoa Fund
• National Homebuyers Fund

“When researching financial assistance programs, carefully review the program requirements to ensure that you qualify. Also, make sure you can find an approved lender,” advises Anderson.

Government closing cost assistance for first-time home buyers

Many first-time home buyers are so focused on the down payment and purchase price that they overlook the steep expense of closing costs, which are generally 2% to 5% of the loan amount. This is when closing cost assistance can provide much-needed relief.

This type of housing assistance is usually offered as part of a local DPA program program. It often comes in one of the following forms:

• Grant: Gifted funds that never require repayment
• Forgivable loan: A loan with deferred payments that will not have to be repaid if you stay in the home a predetermined amount of time, usually around five years
• Low or no-interest loan: A loan repaid in tandem with your primary mortgage
• Lender credits: Some participating lenders offer credits to cover closing costs. Keep in mind that these mortgages often come with higher interest rates

The assistance provided by these programs varies, as do any eligibility requirements. The best way to find closing cost assistance in your area is to do a quick Google search or reach out to your state’s Housing Finance Authority (HFA). Similarly, your real estate agent or Realtor may be able to point you in the right direction.

Government tax credits for first-time home buyers

If your state or local government is helping you purchase a home, they may also offer you access to a mortgage credit certificate (MCC). This is a credit that can reduce the amount of federal income tax you pay, making it possible for you to save more funds for a down payment and other costs associated with a home purchase.

The amount of money an MCC can save you will vary depending on the program, but the IRS currently limits the maximum mortgage credit to $2,000 each year. These tax credits are usually designed for first-time home buyers and those with lower household incomes, but eligibility will vary.

For instance, the Biden Administration’s proposed First-Time Homebuyer Act will provide a $15,000 refundable tax credit to help more renters become homeowners. While it’s not yet passed into law at the time of this writing, the program would give eligible first-time buyers up to 10% of the home’s purchase price:

• $15,300 for 2022
• $15,606 for 2023
• $15,918 for 2024
• $16,236 for 2025

“Keep in mind that a tax credit is not received until you file a tax return, so be sure to consult with a tax advisor for your specific situation,” adds Anderson.

This information is provided for educational purposes only. Always consult with a tax professional about your legal tax obligations.

First-time home buyer education courses

First-time home buyers often find it helpful to take a home buyer education course before buying. If you use a government-run mortgage or down payment assistance program, home buyer education is often required.

“Many courses can be found online or through government housing agencies like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Some are free, while others are available for a fee that typically ranges from $75 to $100,” Gravelle says.

Even if you are not required to take this class, it’s worth your time and expense. “Homeownership is an important responsibility, and having a better understanding will ensure greater success,” says Anderson.

You may even qualify for counseling through HUD for free. “There are HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in every state that can help borrowers navigate the process for no charge,” adds Anderson.

Can the government help me buy a house?

For many, the biggest hurdle when trying to purchase their first home is coming up with the upfront costs of a down payment. While the amount needed to put down varies depending on the type of loan, it can still be a roadblock on the journey to homeownership.

“The good news is that there are numerous government loan programs and down payment assistance options designed especially for those who need a little extra help with financing. These programs can be a solution in particular for those who can afford a monthly mortgage payment but may not have a large sum of money on hand for the down payment,” Anderson explains.

Government-backed loans are a great option for anyone who wants to put less money down or has a lower credit score, explains Jeff Gravelle, chief production officer at Newrez, a national mortgage lending and servicing organization.

“Since they are insured by the government, these loans are less risky to lenders and, therefore, allow lenders to offer lower interest rates. As a result, the monthly mortgage payments are often more affordable,” he adds.

Explore your home buying options

If you’re getting serious about buying a home, it’s worth connecting with a mortgage lender. Your loan officer can help you explore your options, look into assistance programs, and gauge your eligibility. Not only will this give you some direction, but getting preapproved is also often required to make an offer on a home.

When you’re ready, your first step should be to reach out and talk to a mortgage lender about your options.