Your first home, without the guesswork.
Everything you need to make homeownership real — the programs, the steps, and a LendWise loan officer beside you the whole way.
Homeownership, made reachable.
Programs built to make that first purchase more accessible and affordable.
Lower down payments
FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down, and some programs offer zero-down options for qualified buyers.
Flexible credit
First-time buyer programs often have more lenient credit-score requirements than conventional loans.
Down-payment assistance
Many states and local governments offer grants and assistance for down payments and closing costs.
Extended rate locks
Some lenders offer longer rate-lock periods for first-time buyers, giving you more time to house-hunt.
Six steps to your keys.
Click through them, or let it walk you — hover to pause and read.
Check your credit score
Understanding your credit score helps determine which loan programs you qualify for and what rates to expect.
- Get a free report from annualcreditreport.com
- Look for errors and dispute any inaccuracies
- Pay down existing debt to improve your score
The right loan for your first home.
Four programs built to get first-time buyers to the closing table.
FHA loans
Government-backed loans with low down-payment requirements.
- As low as 3.5% down
- Credit scores from 580
- Competitive rates
- Assumable loans
VA loans
Exclusive benefits for veterans and active military.
- Zero down payment
- No private mortgage insurance
- Competitive rates
- No prepayment penalties
USDA loans
Zero-down loans for eligible rural properties.
- 100% financing available
- Below-market rates
- No down payment
- Income limits apply
Conventional loans
Traditional mortgages with flexible terms.
- As low as 3% down
- No upfront mortgage insurance
- Great rates for strong credit
- Various term options
Flip the myth, find the truth.
The misconceptions that keep people renting longer than they need to. Hover a card to flip it.
“You need a 20% down payment to buy a home”
Flip for the truthMany programs allow far less. FHA requires as little as 3.5% down, VA offers 0% for eligible veterans, and some conventional loans accept as little as 3% down.
Explore different loan programs to find one that fits your finances.
“You need perfect credit to get approved”
Flip for the truthGood credit helps, but many programs work with lower scores. FHA can approve borrowers from 580, and some go lower with compensating factors.
Keep improving your credit — but don't let an imperfect score stop you.
“Renting is always cheaper than buying”
Flip for the truthMonthly rent may look lower, but you build no equity. With first-time buyer programs, a mortgage payment can often be comparable to rent.
Use our affordability calculator to compare renting vs. buying in your area.
“You can't buy a home with student loan debt”
Flip for the truthStudent loans rarely disqualify you. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, and there are ways to manage those payments in your application.
Income-driven repayment plans can lower your monthly obligations.
“You need a large emergency fund before buying”
Flip for the truthSavings matter, but some programs allow gift funds for down payment and closing costs — you don't have to save it all yourself.
Ask about gift funds and down-payment assistance programs near you.
Six mistakes to sidestep.
Learn from the buyers who went before you.
Not getting pre-approved
Shopping without pre-approval leads to disappointment and missed opportunities.
Get pre-approved first so you know your exact budget.
Forgetting closing costs
Many buyers forget to budget for closing costs, which run 2–5% of the price.
Factor in closing costs, moving expenses, and immediate repairs.
Skipping the inspection
Waiving inspection to win a bid can lead to expensive surprises.
Always get a professional inspection, even in hot markets.
Maxing out your budget
Buying at the top of your budget leaves no room for the unexpected.
Spend under your max approval to keep financial flexibility.
Not shopping rates
Taking the first offer without comparing can cost thousands over the loan.
Get quotes from multiple lenders and compare rates, fees, and terms.
Ignoring the neighborhood
Focusing on the house alone and overlooking the area's prospects.
Research schools, safety, development plans, and resale value.
Ready when you are.
A LendWise loan officer will walk you through the whole process and find the right loan for your first home.