First-Time Home Buyer Down Payment Options

Aside from special circumstances where someone might be able to secure a home loan with zero down, most lenders will require, at a minimum, a 3% down payment to qualify for a conventional mortgage. It is recommended that you actually have a downpayment closer to 20% to secure the lowest interest rate and most favorable terms.

If you would like to take out an FHA loan, you will need a minimum down payment of 3.5 or 10% depending on your credit score. With a credit score of 580 or above, you may need only 3.5% down. A score between 500 and 580 and you may need 10% down.

If you are or have been a military service member, you may qualify for a 0% down VA loan.

Looking at homes in rural areas? If you meet the income limits, you could qualify for a USDA loan to purchase a home in an area with a population under 20,000 people.

Whether you are purchasing your first home or your last home, you will want to explore all loan types to find out which loan is best for you. This includes both conventional loans and government back mortgages.

You will want to avoid subprime housing loans at all costs. As a first time buyer you should do plenty of research before applying for a loan.

A mortgage of $300,000, depending on your local housing market, should afford you a decent single-family home. If you are looking to put 20% down, you will need to save up $60,000. Remember, you should have an additional 5% saved up to cover closing costs and moving expenses. In some cases, the seller or lender may provide an allowance to cover closing or moving expenses, but don't expect this.

If you qualify for an FHA loan with a credit score of 580 or more, you may only need a down payment of 3.5%, or $10,5000.

Lenders typically require a 20% down payment on the purchase of a new home in 2021. If you agree to pay more than a home appraise for, you may have to increase your down payment. With the limited supply of homes on the market and demand soaring, some homebuyers are being forced to pay premium prices.

There are many factors to consider when determining the salary requirements for securing a mortgage for $250,000. Factors include whether it is a 15 or 30-year mortgage, the interest rate, and the total amount available for a down payment.

For example, if you are looking to secure a 30-year mortgage for $250k with an interest rate of 4.5% and a down payment of $10,000, you may be required to prove an annual income of $63,868 to qualify.

There are several critical things to avoid before buying a new house that may make it more difficult for you to qualify or which may affect which interest rates you can qualify for and how much of a down payment you need. Some of these things that you should avoid might move you from a good credit score from a mortgage to a not-so-good credit score.

Do not disrupt your credit score with any "hard inquiries".

Do not open a new line of credit like a personal loan or new credit card.

Do not miss any bill payments.

Do not move large sums of money around between accounts or make any large investments or purchases.

Do not change jobs.

Do not buy or lease a new car.

Avoiding these 6 major events can help keep your credit score at the level it is currently at or help it increase. You do not want any hiccups to arise while you are shopping for and securing financing for a new home.

Yes, if your credit score is high enough, some lenders will let you take out a mortgage for as little as 3% down. $10,000 is a 3% down payment of a mortgage of $333,333.

As a first time home buyer you'll want to find a trusted mortgage provider to guide you through the process. Some lenders specialize in helping first time buyers secure mortgages. Other lenders may prefer a more established borrower. As you start searching for the right place to apply, you should ask friends, family, or a credible real estate agent if they have any recommendations. In addition you may want to consider:

Quicken Loans

Ally Bank

Chase Bank

Bank of America

Navy Federal Credit Union

Truist

Many banks offer competitive interest rates and terms and conditions out there. The lending market is fiercely competitive, even for first-time buyers. Home loans or mortgages are secured loans that usually require a down payment. If you default on the mortgage, the lender can repossess the home and sell it to recoup some or all of their money. In some cases, they may even profit on the sale. Since the bank has collateral, their risk is decreased. In addition, real estate usually appreciates in value whereas a vehicle may only depreciate. Any of the banks listed above should be able to help a first time buyer qualify for a home loan.

Closing Thoughts

The day you get the keys to your very first home, is a day you have probably envisioned for a long time. Your hardwork has paid off. Purchasing a home is a smart investment that can help you build equity and give you an asset that will remain in your family for as long as you would like.

If you are a first time home buyer, you should explore all the grants and programs available to you on both the state and federal levels. In some cases, homebuyers may use a personal loan to come up with extra cash for a down payment. Alternatively, personal loans can be an easy way to borrow money for home improvements. As a new homeowner, you are sure to have a few home improvement projects on your list. Regardless of your motivation, if you need a personal loan for any reason you can check offers at Acorn Finance with no impact to your credit score.

Can a personal loan help you? Check offers with no impact to your credit score!