National First-Time Home Buyer Programs
Several federal and nationwide programs help first-time homebuyers reduce upfront costs, secure better mortgage terms, and qualify more easily for a home loan.
FHA Loans
- 3.5% minimum down payment
- Flexible credit requirements
- Backed by the Federal Housing Administration
USDA Loans
- 0% down payment for eligible rural and some suburban areas
- Competitive interest rates
- Income and location limits apply
VA Loans
- 0% down payment for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- Typically lower interest rates than conventional loans
Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac First-Time Buyer Programs
- Low down payment options (as little as 3%)
- Reduced private mortgage insurance (PMI) costs
- More flexible underwriting for first-time buyers
Down Payment Assistance (National & Nonprofit)
- Programs such as National Homebuyers Fund (NHF)
- Employer-assisted housing benefits
- Nonprofit and community-based down payment assistance programs
State-Level Assistance
Every state offers its own mix of grants, forgivable loans, tax credits, and local city or county incentives. Use the links below to explore programs where you plan to buy.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Next Steps
Once you’ve explored national options, review your state’s specific programs to see how much assistance you may qualify for. Many buyers combine a national loan (like FHA, VA, or USDA) with state or local down payment assistance to make their first home more affordable.
When you’re ready to take the next step, Seeking Agents® lets real estate agents compete to represent you—helping you save on commissions and keep more money for your down payment and closing costs.