Many first-time buyers are always searching for the best mortgage solution to fit their needs. What first-time buyer program fits you best will depend on a few variables. Below, we will talk about each 2025 first-time buyer program available and the things you need to know when picking the best finance option for you.
USDA Rural Housing (502 Guaranteed, Rural Development)
Unless you are a Veteran, the USDA loan is the only option for 100 percent financing in the U.S. The USDA program still allows first-time buyers to purchase a home with little to zero money out of pocket. Let’s take a look at the USDA program details below:
- Home Location – First and foremost the home you purchase must be in a “rural approved area” according to the USDA map here. For Florida residents, if you want to live in downtown Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa or Miami – this program won’t work for you. However, many outside surrounding suburbs in these cities are still eligible for USDA RD. In Fla, Pinellas, Broward, Monroe and most of Miami-Dade County are not eligible. Remember, the property seller is not of concern, just where the house is located. Contact us at 800-743-7556 to discuss the exact approved locations around your town.
- Household Income – The USDA program has income limits, the income produced by the household must be below the set limits in place for each county. This includes all income-producing members of the household, even if they are not a part of the loan application. The gross USDA household income limits for 2025 start at $112,450+ per year for most 1-4 member households, some counties are higher. In addition, the limits increase significantly for households with 5+ members – over $148,450 per year in many counties.
- 620 or greater credit score is needed to apply from most lenders, banks, and brokers.
So your area is approved and your income is below the limits? Great, now let’s talk about the USDA benefits below:
- 100% financing – great for first-time home buyers who have limited money saved up. School teachers, firefighters, police – this program is great for public service workers. No bond money or down payment assistance is needed since the program does not require a down payment.
- No special first-time buyer class to sit through. You can be pre-approved in under 30 min.
- USDA is not limited to strictly first-time buyers. Move-up buyers can apply as well!
- Seller paid closing costs – in addition to 100% financing, the USDA program permits the home seller to pay all your closing costs.
- Closing costs rolled in – Seller doesn’t want to pay buyer’s closing costs? Buyers still have the option to build closing costs into their loan as long as the home appraisal is high enough to support the final loan amount.
- USDA one-time Guaranteed FEE of 1.0% – this can be included in the buyer’s loan regardless of the home appraisal.
- There is no minimum savings that borrowers need to apply.
- Affordable monthly mortgage insurance – USDA monthly mortgage insurance is much less than FHA, and 97% conventional loans.
- Low fixed interest rates – no worry about monthly mortgage payment changes, the USDA loan is a low, secure 30 year fixed rate.
FHA Loan (Federal Housing Administration)
Like USDA, the FHA loan is backed by the federal government. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) provides many homeownership opportunities with a minimal down payment required. Started over 80 years ago, the FHA is the largest government insurer of home loans in the US today.
The FHA mortgage program is one of the last remaining home loan programs that allow home buyers to purchase a home with little money down. FHA offers some advantages and disadvantages over the USDA loan. Let’s dig in and discuss all the FHA loan highlights and things you need to know.
- Unlike USDA, with FHA, the home you purchase can be located anywhere. Great for first-time home buyers who want to live in more populated locations like Miami, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach, etc.
- Unlike USDA, there are no income limits for the family. You can make unlimited money.
- FHA also has secure 30 or 15-year fixed terms with low interest rates.
- FHA is only up to 96.5% financing, so it does require a small 3.5% down payment. However, the buyer’s required down payment can come in the form of a gift from a family member. Buyers can also use City or County sponsored down payment assistance program (SHIP) to help with the 3.5%. * Certain restrictions can apply.
- Eligible Florida first-time home buyers also have the Hometown Heroes Program available to assist in their down payment and closing costs. Qualified buyers can receive 100% FHA financing with no down payment.
- More liberal debt-to-income ratio limits – FHA allows for higher debt ratio limits when compared to other programs.
- FHA also permits the home seller to pay up to 6% of the home buyer’s closing costs.
- FHA permits their 1.75% upfront fee to also be added to the loan amount (like USDA)
- Like USDA – 600+ credit score is from most mortgage companies. Home buyers who have a 10% down payment can be approved for lesser credit scores.
FHA HUD $100 Dollar Down
The HUD $100 dollar down loan is a special FHA program reserved only for HUD-owned properties. All the basic FHA requirements apply, except for the down payment – with this program, you only need $100 out of pocket to close. Please learn more about the HUD $100 down program here.
VA Mortgage (Veterans Assistance)
The VA loan program is a government mortgage program backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and provides a number of homeownership opportunities with $0 payment needed. The government-backed VA loan is available only to active-duty military personnel, honorably discharged vets and their widows. VA and USDA are the only two first-time buyer programs that allow 100% financing in the U.S. today.
- VA home loans offer some of the lowest mortgage rates available today.
- Like USDA and FHA, the VA loan has an upfront funding fee (2.15%) that can be added to the borrower’s loan.
- The home seller can pay buyers allowable VA closing costs.
- No location, household income, or home restriction.
- Loan limits of up to $4mil for approved Vets
- VA does NOT have monthly mortgage insurance – A big advantage over FHA and USDA.
- VA loan applicants will need a 580-600 credit score to be approved by most mortgage companies.
- If you have VA entitlement, this is without a doubt the best home financing option for you. Check out this post to learn more about 100% VA Home Loan.
Please note: We do not permit financing on any mobile-manufactured home, lot loans, or “build on your own site” with any of the programs listed above.
Buyers that have questions about a specific program, or how to apply, can submit the short Info Request Form on this page.