Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Key takeaways: First-time homebuyer: Anyone who hasn’t owned a primary residence in the past three years Common first-time homebuyer qualifications: Credit score, debt-to-income ratio, down payment, income limits, employment history, purchase limits, homebuyer education Buying your first home? Let’s get started.

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

It’s important to note, however, that your credit score influences your interest rate and loan options. 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

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. These require a higher credit score and must fall within conforming loan limits. These require just 3.5%

Purchase and sale agreement

Marco Santarelli

SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

FHA mortgage rates are typically higher than conventional mortgage rates, but they can be a good option for borrowers with lower credit scores or smaller down payments. The minimum credit score for an FHA loan is 580 with a 3.5% However, many FHA lenders require credit scores of at least 620.

FHA loan

Realty Biz

MARCH 30, 2023

There are fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages, hybrid loans, reverse mortgages, and FHA loans that all come with varying interest rates. To get the best rate for your situation, be sure to look closely at each type of mortgage.

Mortgages

Realty Biz

FEBRUARY 7, 2023

Figure Out What Mortgage Program Works Best When you start looking for a mortgage , one of the first steps should be deciding what loan terms you want. For example, do you want a 30-year fixed or adjustable-rate mortgage? A fixed-rate mortgage will give you more stability if you stay in the home longer.

Pre-approval

Realty Biz

APRIL 8, 2024

This includes checking your credit score, saving for a down payment, and getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Answer: What you can afford depends on your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, down payment, and interest rate. What Is a Mortgage Pre-Approval? What Type of Mortgage Should I Choose?

Pre-qualification