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.
After you've checked local resources, consider national first-time home buyer programs, too.
You'll also want to calculate how much home you can afford and get your credit ready for the mortgage application.
Mortgage lenders include banks, credit unions and companies that specialize in home loans. They vary by loan offerings, customer service, credit requirements and fees. Our advice for how to choose a mortgage lender can take some of the guesswork out of the process.
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