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First-Time Homebuyer Programs and Benefits

First-time homebuyer programs at the federal, state, and local levels provide reduced down payment requirements, down payment assistance grants and loans, favorable mortgage insurance terms, and tax credits to help borrowers who have not owned a home in the past three years achieve homeownership. These programs include FHA, conventional 97% LTV, HomeReady, Home Possible, USDA, VA, state housing finance agency DPA, and Mortgage Credit Certificates.

Key Takeaways

  • HUD defines a first-time homebuyer as anyone who has not owned a principal residence in the three years preceding the purchase, which includes former homeowners who have rented for at least three years.
  • FHA allows 3.5% down with credit scores of 580+ and permits the entire down payment to come from gift funds or approved assistance programs.
  • Conventional 97% LTV programs require only 3% down with cancellable PMI, potentially costing less over the life of the loan compared to FHA's permanent MIP.
  • HomeReady and Home Possible offer reduced PMI rates and flexible income sources for borrowers earning at or below 80% of area median income.
  • USDA loans require zero down payment for eligible borrowers purchasing in designated rural and suburban areas, with lower guarantee fees than FHA.
  • State and local down payment assistance programs provide grants or forgivable loans of 3%-5% of the purchase price, often stackable with federal programs.
  • Mortgage Credit Certificates provide a direct federal tax credit for a percentage of annual mortgage interest paid, lasting the life of the loan.
  • Homebuyer education is required for most first-time buyer programs and provides valuable preparation for the mortgage and homeownership process.

How It Works

How to Identify Available First-Time Buyer Programs

The process begins with determining which programs the borrower qualifies for based on four primary criteria: first-time buyer status (three-year ownership test), income level relative to area median income, property location, and military service eligibility. A borrower who has not owned a home in the past three years, earns below 80% of AMI, and is purchasing in a USDA-eligible area may qualify for USDA zero-down financing, state DPA, HomeReady or Home Possible, and potentially an MCC. A veteran in the same situation would add the VA loan as an option.

Lenders familiar with first-time buyer programs can help identify which federal, state, and local programs are available in the borrower’s purchase area. State housing finance agency websites maintain current program listings, eligibility requirements, and participating lender directories. Not all lenders offer all programs, so borrowers may need to work with lenders who are approved participants in specific DPA or MCC programs.

How Down Payment Assistance Is Applied

Down payment assistance typically takes the form of a subordinate lien (second mortgage) or a grant provided at closing. For subordinate lien DPA, the assistance provider funds a second mortgage that is recorded behind the first mortgage. The first mortgage lender must approve the subordinate financing and verify that the combined loan-to-value ratio, payment terms, and lien structure comply with the first mortgage program’s guidelines.

For grant-based DPA, the funds are provided as a non-repayable contribution that is applied to the borrower’s down payment and closing costs at the closing table. Grant funds appear on the closing disclosure as a credit to the borrower. Whether the DPA is a grant or a subordinate loan, the funds must be sourced and documented according to the first mortgage program’s requirements, and the DPA provider must be an eligible entity (government agency, HFA, or approved nonprofit).

How Mortgage Credit Certificates Work with Monthly Payments

An MCC does not reduce the monthly mortgage payment directly. Instead, it reduces the borrower’s annual federal income tax liability, resulting in higher take-home pay or a larger tax refund. Some borrowers adjust their federal tax withholding to capture the benefit monthly rather than waiting for a refund at tax time. To do this, the borrower submits an updated W-4 to their employer reflecting the anticipated tax credit, which reduces the amount withheld from each paycheck.

For qualification purposes, some lenders will add the monthly equivalent of the MCC tax credit to the borrower’s qualifying income, which lowers the DTI ratio and may allow the borrower to qualify for a larger loan amount. Not all lenders apply this adjustment, so borrowers should confirm the lender’s policy on MCC income adjustments during the pre-approval process .

Related topics include using gift funds for your down payment, co-signers and co-borrowers on a mortgage, down payment assistance programs explained, buying a home with significant student debt, and special borrower situations: a decision guide.

Key Factors

Factors relevant to First-Time Homebuyer Programs and Benefits
Factor Description Typical Range
Down Payment Requirement
Income Limits
Mortgage Insurance Cost and Duration
Geographic and Property Restrictions

Examples

Scenario: First-time buyer using FHA with state down payment assistance
Outcome: The borrower closes with FHA first mortgage of $241,250 plus $4,222 UFMIP financed ($245,472 total), a $10,000 forgivable second mortgage from the state HFA, and minimal out-of-pocket cash. The forgivable second requires the borrower to remain in the home for seven years for full forgiveness. Monthly PITIA includes FHA annual MIP of 0.55%. Without the DPA, this borrower would not have had sufficient funds to close.

Scenario: First-time buyer comparing conventional 97 with HomeReady
Outcome: Both programs require 3% down and the borrower qualifies for both. The HomeReady program saves approximately $38 per month in PMI ($65/month vs. $103/month on the standard 97 product). Over the expected time to reach 80% LTV and cancel PMI (approximately 8-10 years), the HomeReady PMI savings total approximately $3,600-$4,500. The borrower must complete HomeReady-required homebuyer education but benefits from the reduced insurance cost.

Scenario: Veteran first-time buyer choosing between VA and FHA
Outcome: The VA loan requires no down payment and no monthly MI. Despite the higher loan balance due to the financed funding fee, the VA monthly P&I is approximately $1,887 with no MI. The FHA monthly P&I is approximately $1,862 plus $135/month MIP, totaling $1,997. The VA loan saves $110/month in total housing cost and preserves the $10,500 that would otherwise go to a down payment. The VA option is clearly superior for this borrower.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming first-time buyer status requires never having owned a home
  • Not researching state and local DPA programs before house shopping
  • Choosing FHA solely for the low down payment without comparing conventional 97 or HomeReady
  • Failing to complete required homebuyer education before making an offer
  • Not applying for a Mortgage Credit Certificate before closing
  • Overlooking VA loan eligibility for first-time buyers with military service

Documents You May Need

  • Government-issued photo ID and Social Security number for all borrowers
  • Proof of income: pay stubs (30 days), W-2s (2 years), tax returns (2 years if self-employed)
  • Bank statements (2-3 months) showing savings for down payment, closing costs, and reserves
  • Homebuyer education certificate from a HUD-approved or program-approved provider
  • Down payment assistance program application and approval documentation (if using DPA)
  • Mortgage Credit Certificate approval (if applying for an MCC through the state or local HFA)
  • VA Certificate of Eligibility (if applying for a VA loan)
  • Declaration of first-time homebuyer status (three-year ownership certification)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies as a first-time homebuyer for mortgage programs?
Under HUD's definition, a first-time homebuyer is anyone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period preceding the purchase. This includes former homeowners who have rented for three or more years, displaced homemakers, and single parents who owned a home only jointly with a former spouse. Each program may apply this definition differently, so borrowers should verify eligibility with the specific program.
Can I use multiple assistance programs at the same time?
Yes, in many cases. Federal loan programs (FHA, VA, USDA, conventional) can be combined with state and local DPA programs and Mortgage Credit Certificates. However, combined loan-to-value limits apply (the first mortgage plus any subordinate DPA financing cannot exceed the program's maximum CLTV), and the first mortgage lender must approve any subordinate financing. Some DPA programs are stackable with others while some are not.
What is the difference between a grant and a forgivable loan for down payment assistance?
A grant is a non-repayable contribution that does not need to be paid back under any circumstances. A forgivable loan is structured as a second mortgage that is forgiven (no repayment required) if the borrower meets specific conditions, typically remaining in the home as a primary residence for a set period (often 5-10 years). If the borrower sells, refinances, or moves out before the forgiveness period ends, some or all of the forgivable loan must be repaid.
Do first-time buyer programs have income limits?
Some do and some do not. HomeReady, Home Possible, USDA, and most state/local DPA programs have income limits, typically ranging from 80% to 120% of the area median income. FHA, VA, and the standard conventional 97% LTV program do not have income limits. Borrowers above the income limits for assistance programs can still use FHA, VA, or standard conventional financing.
What is a Mortgage Credit Certificate and how much can it save?
An MCC is a federal tax credit issued by a state or local housing agency that allows first-time buyers to claim a credit against their federal tax liability for a percentage of mortgage interest paid annually. The credit rate is typically 20%-50% of interest paid, up to a program maximum. On a $250,000 loan at 6.5% interest, a 25% MCC could provide approximately $4,000 in annual tax credits. The MCC lasts for the life of the loan as long as the borrower occupies the home.
Is homebuyer education required for all first-time buyer programs?
Homebuyer education is required for HomeReady, Home Possible, most state and local DPA programs, and Mortgage Credit Certificates. FHA does not require education for all borrowers, though individual lenders may require it. VA does not require it. Even when not required, completing a HUD-approved course is recommended because it prepares borrowers for the process and may provide access to additional assistance programs.
Can I buy a home with no money down as a first-time buyer?
Yes, if you qualify for a VA loan (eligible veterans and active-duty) or USDA loan (income-eligible borrowers in rural/suburban areas), no down payment is required. Additionally, borrowers using FHA or conventional 3% down programs can cover the entire down payment with gift funds or down payment assistance grants, resulting in zero out-of-pocket cost for the down payment, though some closing costs may still need to be paid.
How do I find down payment assistance programs in my area?
Start with your state's housing finance agency (HFA) website, which lists statewide DPA programs, eligibility requirements, and participating lenders. City and county housing departments may offer additional local programs. HUD maintains a directory of local homebuying programs at hud.gov. Working with a lender experienced in first-time buyer programs is often the most efficient way to identify all available assistance in your purchase area.
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