First-time home buyer assistance programs

Discover a variety of assistance programs for first-time home buyers, designed to make homeownership more accessible. Explore down payment grants, low-interest loans, and closing cost assistance that can significantly reduce the barrier to entry. These government and local programs offer crucial financial support, enabling new buyers to finance their mortgage and reduce fees. Learn about the available options to make the dream of owning a home a reality.

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  1. 1

    Bank of America America's Home Grant & Down Payment Grant

    460 Global Votes
    • Aids first-time homebuyers

      (+4)

    Bank of America's grants provide direct, non-repayable funds for closing costs or down payments. These lender-specific grants significantly reduce upfront expenses, making homeownership more accessible for eligible customers.

  2. 2

    San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) First-Time Homebuyer Programs (San Diego, California)

    55 Global Votes
    • Offers deferred-payment loans for down payment assistance

      (+4)

    The SDHC offers substantial and flexible assistance tailored to different income levels in San Diego, including deferred-payment loans and forgivable grants. This multi-tiered approach addresses diverse needs in a high-cost region.

  3. 3

    Florida Housing Homebuyer Program (Florida)

    3 Global Votes
    • Offers 30-year fixed rate first mortgage loans

      (+4)

    Florida Housing offers comprehensive support with 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and flexible second mortgage programs for down payment and closing cost assistance. Its 'Florida Assist' option provides up to $10,000, making it a robust state-level program.

  4. 4

    Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Loans

    0 Global Votes
    • No down payment required

      (+4)

    VA loans provide exceptional benefits for eligible service members and veterans, including zero down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. This significantly reduces the upfront and ongoing costs of homeownership, making it highly attractive for those who qualify.

  5. 5

    USDA Loans

    0 Global Votes
    • No down payment required

      (+4)

    USDA loans offer a unique opportunity for buyers in rural and some suburban areas to purchase a home with no down payment. This program is particularly beneficial for low- to moderate-income individuals who meet the specific geographic and income requirements.

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  7. 6

    Fannie Mae HomeReady Mortgage

    0 Global Votes
    • Provides $2,500 borrower credit for down payment or closing costs

      (+4)

    The Fannie Mae HomeReady Mortgage is a conventional loan option that makes homeownership more attainable for low- to moderate-income buyers. It features a low 3% down payment and flexible underwriting, providing an alternative to government-backed loans.

  8. 7

    Freddie Mac Home Possible Mortgage

    0 Global Votes
    • Offers a 3% down payment

      (+4)

    Similar to HomeReady, the Freddie Mac Home Possible Mortgage offers a low 3% down payment for low- to moderate-income borrowers. It provides another robust conventional loan pathway for first-time buyers seeking flexible requirements.

  9. 8

    Conventional 97 Mortgage Loan

    0 Global Votes
    • Allows homebuyers to get a conventional mortgage with only 3% down

      (+2)

    The Conventional 97 Mortgage Loan is a versatile option for first-time homebuyers of any income level who have good credit. It allows for a minimal 3% down payment, offering a conventional path to homeownership without specific income restrictions.

  10. 9

    HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Program

    0 Global Votes
    • Offers 50% discount on HUD-owned homes

      (+2)

    This program offers an incredible 50% discount on homes in revitalization areas for public service professionals. It provides substantial savings, making homeownership highly affordable for those who serve their communities.

  11. 10

    National Homebuyers Fund (NHF)

    0 Global Votes
    • Provides affordable mortgage loan interest rates

      (+4)

    The NHF offers nationwide grants and forgivable loans to help low- and moderate-income buyers cover upfront costs. Its flexibility to work with various loan types and higher income limits make it a widely accessible and impactful program.

  12. 11

    Chenoa Fund

    0 Global Votes
    • Offers 3.5% or 5% down payment assistance

      (+4)

    The Chenoa Fund provides crucial nationwide down payment assistance, offering either a forgivable or repayable loan. This program can fully cover the down payment for conventional or FHA loans, significantly easing the financial barrier for first-time buyers.

  13. 12

    California Dream for All (California)

    0 Global Votes
    • Offers up to 20% for down payment or closing costs

      (+4)

    This California-specific program offers substantial deferred-repayment loans, covering up to 20% of the home price. It's particularly impactful for first-generation and first-time homeowners, making homeownership more accessible in a high-cost state.

  14. 13

    2026 Palmetto Heroes Program (South Carolina)

    0 Global Votes
    • Offers $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance

      (+3)

    The Palmetto Heroes Program specifically supports public service professionals and military personnel in South Carolina with a generous $10,000 forgivable down payment assistance. This targeted aid recognizes and rewards essential workers.

  15. 14

    Los Angeles First-Time Home Mortgage Program (Los Angeles, California)

    0 Global Votes
    • Provides purchase assistance up to $161,000

      (+4)

    This program offers a non-repayable grant of up to 4% of the first mortgage amount for down payment and closing costs in Los Angeles. The grant structure significantly reduces the financial burden for first-time homebuyers in a high-cost urban area.

  16. 15

    Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) (District of Columbia)

    0 Global Votes
    • Provides interest-free loans

      (+4)

    HPAP offers zero-interest, deferred-payment loans for down payment and closing costs in Washington D.C. Its deferred repayment structure and interest-free nature make it a highly beneficial program for low- and moderate-income buyers in the capital.

  17. 16

    Chase Homebuyer Grant

    0 Global Votes
    • Offers $2,500 or $5,000 in savings

      (+4)

    The Chase Homebuyer Grant offers direct financial assistance, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 or more, to help cover closing costs, interest rate buydowns, or down payments. This lender-specific grant provides valuable support for Chase mortgage customers.