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Which home buyer programs fit you?
Answer eight quick questions. We’ll show where to start in your state and which national loans and programs are a strong fit, which are worth checking, and which you can skip.
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How we match you
We use each program’s main published rules: HUD for FHA and Good Neighbor Next Door, the VA and USDA for their loans, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for HomeReady, Home Possible and 3% down loans. Lenders add their own rules on top, such as higher credit score minimums, so a "strong fit" means it is worth asking a lender about, not that you are approved.
- FHA: 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher, or 10% down from 500. FHA loans explained.
- VA: often no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance for eligible veterans and service members. VA loans explained.
- USDA: often no down payment for homes in eligible rural and some suburban areas, with household income limits. USDA loans explained.
- HomeReady and Home Possible: 3% down for buyers with income at or below 80% of the area median; you do not need to be a first-time buyer.
- 3% down conventional: for first-time buyers, usually with a credit score of 620 or higher. Conventional loans explained.
- Good Neighbor Next Door: 50% off the list price of eligible HUD homes for full-time teachers (pre-K to 12), law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs, who must live in the home for 36 months.
- Your state: state housing finance agencies offer down payment help, lower rates and tax credits through approved lenders. See programs by state.
Nothing you choose here is sent anywhere. Rules change; confirm with a lender or the program before you rely on them.
Frequently asked questions
Who counts as a first-time home buyer?
For most programs, anyone who has not owned a home in the past three years, even if they owned one before.
Can I get help if I am not a first-time buyer?
Yes. Fannie Mae HomeReady, Freddie Mac Home Possible, FHA, VA and USDA loans and the Good Neighbor Next Door program do not require you to be a first-time buyer, and some state programs also help repeat buyers.
How do I know if my income is under 80% of the area median?
Use Fannie Mae’s or Freddie Mac’s income eligibility lookup tools with the address or county you are buying in. Limits depend on the location, and some programs also look at household size.