First-Time Home Buyer Programs by State

Down payment and closing cost assistance, special loans with reduced interest rates, and much more are available to first-timers. Learn about the resources and participating lenders in your area.
By NerdWallet 
Updated

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Exploring local and national first-time home buyer assistance programs is an important step in the journey to homeownership.

Many state housing authorities combine closing cost and down payment assistance programs with mortgages that have favorable interest rates. Some states even offer tax credits you can use on your federal tax return. These first-time home buyer assistance programs boost buyers’ chances of owning homes in particular geographic areas, or help borrowers in certain professions, such as educators, first responders, or active-duty military and veterans.

Buying a first home is a big deal, so it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. See our tips for first-time home buyers to get an overview of what to do, mistakes to avoid and links to more resources.

Mortgage loans from our partners

New American Funding - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on New American Funding

New American Funding

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
New American Funding - PURCHASE logo

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
580

Min. down payment 
3%

Check Rate

on New American Funding

Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
620

Min. down payment 
1%

Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

NBKC - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on NBKC

NBKC

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
NBKC - PURCHASE logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
620

Min. down payment 
3%

Check Rate

on NBKC

Find first-time home buyer programs and lenders in your state

Northeast

Midwest

South

West

Other first-time home buyer resources

In addition to exploring local and national first-time home buyer programs, you’ll also want to calculate how much home you can afford, prepare your credit and get to know the mortgage lending landscape, where hundreds of banks, credit unions and mortgage companies compete.

Lenders vary by loan offerings, customer service, credit requirements and fees. Understanding the options will help you get a foothold. See our 5 tips for finding the best mortgage lenders to learn more.

» MORE FOR CANADIAN READERS: First-time home buyer guide

Mortgage loans from our partners

New American Funding - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on New American Funding

New American Funding

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
New American Funding - PURCHASE logo

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
580

Min. down payment 
3%

Check Rate

on New American Funding

Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Rocket Mortgage - PURCHASE logo

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
620

Min. down payment 
1%

Check Rate

on Rocket Mortgage

NBKC - PURCHASE logo
Check Rate

on NBKC

NBKC

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
NBKC - PURCHASE logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Min. credit score 
620

Min. down payment 
3%

Check Rate

on NBKC

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