Compare First-Time Home Buyer Mortgage Lenders & Programs
These mortgage lenders cater to first-time home buyers with low down payments, grant programs and educational materials.
For first-time home buyers, finding the right mortgage can be a big challenge. You want to work with a lender that can give you the best rate, the right term and the lowest closing costs, as quickly and efficiently as possible. NerdWallet has picked standout mortgage lenders for first-time home buyers.
Showing top 3 matches in OR
- Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages with an emphasis on helping underserved communities.
- Its home equity line of credit can be used for an owner-occupied or second home.
- Has a program to enable buyers to make cash offers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Read our New American Funding review
- Offers government-backed loans and some harder-to-find products, such as construction loans and specialty mortgages for pilots.
- Offers low rates and fees compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Displays customized rates, with fee estimates, without requiring contact information.
- Read our NBKC review
- Streamlined online process with document and asset retrieval capabilities, as well as the ability to edit your preapproval letter.
- Offers the option to work with loan officers by phone if desired.
- Largest FHA lender in the nation.
- Read our Rocket Mortgage, LLC review
- What type of loan is best for a first-time home buyer?
The best mortgage for you as a first-time home buyer is the loan for which you're most qualified. And that depends on a number of factors, including your credit score. With a credit score of at least 580, you may find that a loan backed by the FHA is your best option. With a credit score around 620 or higher, a conventional loan might be a better option, and could require an even lower down payment of 3%.
- What programs are available for first-time home buyer?
Many grants, special loans and down payment assistance programs are available to borrowers looking to buy their first home. These first-time home buyer programs are offered by agencies in the state where you live.
- Why should I shop multiple lenders?
You could save thousands of dollars by shopping around. However, many consumers don’t do that. In a 2015 report, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found that 77% of consumers apply to only one lender or broker when seeking a mortgage. By shopping just three different lenders, borrowers could save more than $3,500 in just the first five years, according to the CFPB.
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