Redfin

JULY 24, 2025

According to Redfin Real Estate, the minimum down payment for first-time homebuyers varies depending on the type of loan. Many loans offer down payments as low as 3% or even 0%. Here’s a quick breakdown: FHA loans, for example, typically require 3.5% VA and USDA loans may offer 0% down for eligible borrowers.

FHA loan

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 21, 2024

FHA and VA Loans For low-income or first-time homebuyers, FHA loans provide essential options. These loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and require lower credit scores and down payments. Current Rate for 30-Year FHA : 5.58% Pros : More accessible for first-time buyers.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Which loan is right for you? Conventional loans: You have a credit score of 620+, stable income, and can put at least 3% down. FHA loans: You have a credit score of 580+ (or 500+ with 10% down) and a higher DTI ratio. VA loans: You’re an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse.

Loans

Redfin

JULY 23, 2025

FHA loan (government-backed option): Minimum 3.5% FHA loans are fantastic if you have a lower credit score or fewer savings. The trade-off is you’ll pay FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP), which is usually for the life of the loan in most cases. FHA loans – as low as 3.5%

FHA loan

Marco Santarelli

MAY 14, 2025

Today's Mortgage Rates – May 14, 2025: Rates Jump by 8 Basis Points After Inflation Data Key Takeaways Current Average Rates : 30-Year Fixed Mortgage : 6.84% ( 8 basis points) 15-Year Fixed Mortgage : 6.06% ( 1 basis point) Texas VA Loan : 5.78% (15-Year Fixed) Refinance Rates : Generally higher than new mortgage rates.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 22, 2024

Government Loans (FHA/VA) : These loans typically cater to those who might not qualify for conventional mortgages. FHA loans have low minimum requirements for credit and down payments, making them accessible. VA loans are available to veterans and active military members with favorable terms and conditions.

Mortgages

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

What many first-time buyers don’t realize is that there are national, state, and even local programs designed to help break down these barriers for new buyers. These are tailored specifically for first-time buyers offering down payment assistance, grants, or credits to reduce how much you pay in interest on your loan.

Pre-approval

The Mortgage Report

JULY 22, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? How Much Home Can I Afford?

FHA 203k rehab loan

The Mortgage Report

AUGUST 5, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? How Much Home Can I Afford? In this article (Skip to.)

FHA 203k rehab loan

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 11, 2025

Veterans Affairs (VA) Loans : For eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some members of the National Guard and Reserves, VA loans offer favorable terms, such as no down payment and lower interest rates, making homeownership more accessible to those who have served in the military.

Fixed-rate mortgage

Norada Real Estate

JUNE 7, 2025

Government Loans Government-backed loans usually present favorable terms for first-time homebuyers or those with lower credit scores. FHA and VA loans are prominent in this category. FHA loans, with their lower down payment requirements, can be particularly attractive to those entering the housing market.

Mortgages

Redfin

JANUARY 28, 2025

FHA loans These loans are popular for their flexible credit requirements and low down payment options, which make homeownership more accessible. FHA loans are assumable , but the buyer must meet the lenders approval criteria, including a sufficient credit score and stable income.

Loans

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

What to do instead: Take time to research different loan types, including FHA loans with low down payment requirements, VA loans for eligible veterans, USDA loans for rural areas, and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) that may offer lower initial rates. FHA Loan: Require only 3.5%

VA loan

Marco Santarelli

FEBRUARY 16, 2025

VA and FHA Loans : Competitive rates with a 30-year VA at 5.98% and FHA rates starting at 5.75%. Understanding VA and FHA Loans For first-time homebuyers or those with limited funds for a down payment, VA (Veterans Affairs) and FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans are two excellent options to consider.

FHA loan

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

While this type of loan is a good option for many real estate consumers, I believe there are several quirks all buyers should know about and understand if they are considering an FHA loan. Did you know if you file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can immediately apply for an FHA loan? Happy house hunting!

Finance

Redfin

JULY 28, 2025

A homeowner’s education course is required for this loan as well. Credit score: 620-660 Down payment minimum: 3% DTI: 43% or less AMI: 80% or less FHA loans A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan is a flexible alternative for those who don’t meet the requirements for conventional loans.

VA loan

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

You’re buying in a designated redevelopment area, where certain programs have less strict rules. Here are the minimum credit scores needed to qualify for certain loans: Conventional loans: 620-660 Jumbo loans: 700 FHA loans: 500-580 VA loans: no requirement USDA loans: typically 620, but can be lower 8.

Pre-approval

The Mortgage Report

AUGUST 7, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? How Much Home Can I Afford?

Equity

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

Look into first-time homebuyer benefits Many programs are designed to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers by reducing upfront costs, lowering monthly payments, and helping with mortgage qualification. State and local programs: Cities and states may offer down payment assistance, forgivable loans, or closing cost help.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

APRIL 11, 2025

Government-backed loans : Low or no down payment loans that can be particularly beneficial for starter home buyers. FHA loans : Often feature lower down payment and credit score requirements. VA loans: May not require a down payment for eligible veterans and active-duty military.

Marketing

Redfin

JULY 24, 2025

It’s not designed to protect you, the homeowner. Lenders typically require PMI on conventional loans when your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. VA loans are backed by the U.S. For most FHA loans, this MIP stays for the life of the loan, unlike conventional PMI, which can be removed.

FHA loan

The Close

MAY 20, 2025

Loan terms: 15-30 year fixed rate Time to funding: Within 60 days Minimum credit score: 620 Visit Pennymac Conventional commercial mortgage loans SBA 504 SBA 7(a) SBA microloans Business loans and lines of credit Commercial mortgage loan terms: Loan amount: $250,000-$5 million Interest rates: As low as 4.5%

Loans

HomeLight

MAY 15, 2025

This can extend to dual agency, designated agency, and more, and in states like New York, this is mandatory. Be aware of minimum property standards for certain loans When you place your home on the market, its hard to predict if your top offer will come from a cash buyer or a buyer pre-qualified for a home loan.

As-is

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

There are a number of first-time home buyer benefits designed to make homeownership more affordable, from down payment assistance to tax credits and more. You’re buying in a designated redevelopment area, where some programs relax the rules (even for repeat buyers). Let’s break it down: FHA loans require as little as 3.5%

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

JULY 17, 2025

Veterans may be eligible for VA loans, which offer more flexible income and employment requirements. Best loan options for limited work history FHA loans These loans are often a go-to for first-time buyers. If you’ve been freelancing in the same field or have strong documentation, one year may be enough.

VA loan

HomeLight

MARCH 7, 2025

Be aware of minimum property standards for certain loans When you place your home on the market, its hard to predict if your top offer will come from a cash buyer or a buyer pre-qualified for a home loan.

As-is

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Here are some key factors that determine whether you’re ready to take on a mortgage: Credit score : Most conventional loans require a credit score of at least 620, while FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580. These include: FHA loans : Great for first-time buyers with lower credit scores. down and a 580 score.

FHA loan

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 11, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? Verify your VA loan eligibility.

VA loan

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 8, 2025

Different Loan Types: Rates vary significantly across mortgage types including FHA , VA , and ARMs. FHA Loans: Insured by the Federal Housing Administration, these loans are designed for lower-income and first-time buyers, requiring lower down payments and more lenient credit scores.

Mortgages

Housing Wire

JANUARY 5, 2021

What type of loan: FHA loan. FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration. These insured loans are a type of federal assistance and require as little as a 3.5% If your credit score is between 500-579, FHA loans require 10% of the purchase price. 0% down payments. 0% down payments.

FHA loan

Housing Wire

NOVEMBER 7, 2023

In the aftermath, one of the most contentious issues in the minds of mortgage professionals is how the ruling might affect FHA and VA mortgage borrowers. FHA loans are a popular option for first-time homebuyers or those who don’t have a lot of cash saved for a down payment, because the loans require a minimum of 3.5%

VA loan

Housing Wire

OCTOBER 19, 2022

The IMBs originated 90% of FHA and VA loans and issued 90% of Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed security, the report said. In 2021, non-depository institutions accounted for 64% of first-lien, owner-occupied, site-built home-purchase loans. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

VA loan

Housing Wire

MAY 24, 2024

Other government-backed loan programs include FHA loans which typically require only a 3.5% down payment, as well as VA loans for active-duty service members, surviving spouses, and veterans, which do not require a down payment or mortgage insurance.

Debt-to-income ratio

Housing Wire

AUGUST 2, 2024

Indeed, one West Coast LO told HousingWire that he quoted a borrower a 5.75% rate on a 30-year FHA loan for a $500,000 Southern California home purchase. Here’s how LOs are handling the sudden drop in rates. The borrower had a 700 FICO score and is putting down 3.5%. ”

Mortgages

HomeLight

FEBRUARY 12, 2021

You’ve just received the first offer on your home — and it’s backed by an FHA loan. So what do you need to know about FHA loans as a seller? Today, FHA loans represent a fair share of the mortgage market; in 2018, the FHA insured 12.1% FHA loans help make homeownership more accessible.

FHA loan

HomeLight

DECEMBER 8, 2023

Here’s a breakdown of major mortgage loan types to help you understand where your loan stands: FHA loans FHA loans , backed by the Federal Housing Administration, are typically assumable. If you have an FHA loan, a buyer can assume it, subject to approval by the lender.

VA loan

Rent, Buy & Sell

FEBRUARY 7, 2021

The FHA Loan program was created to help low to moderate-income homebuyers, particularly those that do not have enough cash saved for a down payment. These loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and only require a minimum credit score of 500. You will pay a VA funding fee when the deal closes.

Loans