A mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration, designed to make homeownership more accessible with a lower down payment and more flexible credit requirements than many conventional loans.
May help with
Down payment
Credit score flexibility
Eligibility hints (estimate only)
- Down payment as low as 3.5% with qualifying credit
- Credit scores of 580+ typically qualify for the 3.5% minimum down payment
- Available to any qualified borrower, not just first-time buyers
Before you rely on this
- Requires mortgage insurance premiums (MIP), often for the life of the loan
- Actual approval depends on your lender's full underwriting
- Confirm current terms with a HUD-approved lender
A home loan benefit backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible service members, veterans, and surviving spouses — nearly 90% of VA-backed loans are made with no down payment.
May help with
Down payment
No private mortgage insurance
Eligibility hints (estimate only)
- For eligible active-duty service members, veterans, and certain surviving spouses
- Most VA-backed loans require no down payment
- Still requires meeting a lender's credit and income criteria
Before you rely on this
- A funding fee and closing costs may still apply
- Eligibility (Certificate of Eligibility) must be confirmed through the VA
- Confirm current terms with a VA-approved lender
USDA Section 502 Guaranteed Loan
National
A USDA Rural Development program that helps low- and moderate-income households buy a home in eligible rural areas with up to 100% financing — no down payment required.
May help with
Down payment (100% financing available)
Eligibility hints (estimate only)
- Property must be in a USDA-eligible rural area
- Household income must fall within USDA low-to-moderate income limits for the area
- Must be used to purchase a primary residence
Before you rely on this
- Rural-area and income eligibility vary by county — check the USDA eligibility map
- Available only through USDA-approved lenders
- Confirm current terms with an approved lender
Good Neighbor Next Door
National
A HUD program offering a 50% discount off the list price of homes in designated revitalization areas for teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs who commit to living there.
May help with
Purchase price discount (50% off list price)
Eligibility hints (estimate only)
- Open to pre-K–12 teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs
- Home must be in a HUD-designated revitalization area
- Buyer must live in the home as a primary residence for 36 months
Before you rely on this
- Eligible homes are limited and listed for a short window (about 7 days) before buyer selection
- A second mortgage/note secures the discount, forgiven only after the 3-year occupancy requirement is met
- Confirm current listings and terms on HUD's site
A Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation program pairing a fixed-rate mortgage with down payment assistance for educators, police officers, firefighters, EMS, and correctional/county jail personnel.
May help with
Down payment
Closing costs
Eligibility hints (estimate only)
- For public school educators, police officers, firefighters, EMS, county jailers, correctional officers, veterans/active military, and nursing/allied health faculty
- Minimum credit score of 620
- Down payment assistance available as a grant or a deferred, forgivable second lien
Before you rely on this
- Also subject to household income limits that vary by county
- Must complete an approved homebuyer education course and work with a participating lender
- Take TSAHC's eligibility quiz and confirm current terms before relying on this
Texas Homebuyer Program
TX
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs' statewide program offering down payment and closing cost assistance paired with a low-interest mortgage for eligible Texas homebuyers — not limited to specific professions.
May help with
Down payment
Closing costs
Eligibility hints (estimate only)
- Open to eligible Texas homebuyers meeting income limits (varies by county/household size)
- Typically for first-time buyers or those who haven't owned a home in the past 3 years
- Requires an approved homebuyer education course
Before you rely on this
- Exact assistance amount, income limits, and credit requirements are set by TDHCA and change over time — not published on the overview page
- Must work with a participating lender
- Take the program's Eligibility Quick Check before relying on this