First-Time Buyer Programs
Discover down payment assistance, grant programs, and first-time buyer resources available in every state. Find the programs that can help you achieve homeownership in 2026.
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First-Time Buyer FAQ
What qualifies someone as a first-time home buyer?+
HUD defines a first-time buyer as anyone who has not owned a principal residence in the past three years. This means you can qualify even if you owned a home previously — as long as three years have passed since you last held title.
What down payment assistance programs exist?+
All 50 states offer down payment assistance (DPA) through their housing finance agencies — grants, forgivable loans, or deferred-payment second mortgages. Federal options include FHA loans (3.5% down), VA loans (0% down for veterans), and USDA loans (0% down in eligible rural areas).
What credit score do I need to buy a home?+
FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down (or 500 with 10% down). Conventional loans typically require 620+. VA and USDA loans have no official minimum but most lenders set a floor around 620. Higher scores unlock better interest rates.
Are there income limits for first-time buyer programs?+
Most state-level DPA programs set income caps — typically 80-115% of the area median income (AMI). Federal programs like FHA have no income limit, but conforming loan limits cap the purchase price. Check your state's housing finance agency for exact thresholds.