Loan types compared

All loan types

Down payment: From 3%

Buyers with good credit

Down payment: From 3.5%

Buyers with lower scores or small savings

Down payment: Often 0%

Eligible veterans, service members and some surviving spouses

Down payment: Often 0%

Moderate-income buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas

Down payment: Often 10% to 20%

Buyers borrowing above the conforming limit

Down payment: Varies; help often available

First-time buyers with moderate incomes