How To Buy A First Home With No Down Payment -

Alex and Maya spent the next month cleaning up their credit scores to snag the best interest rates. They opted for a on a fixer-upper craftsman. Because they didn't have to sink $40,000 into a down payment, they kept their savings for the inevitable "first home" surprises—like the water heater that gave up the ghost three days after closing.

Since they were looking at a quiet suburb on the edge of town, Sarah checked a map. "This area qualifies as 'rural' by the USDA," she said. This government-backed loan required $0 down , provided the home was in an eligible area and their income fell within certain limits. how to buy a first home with no down payment

Determined, they met with a loan officer named Sarah, who didn’t laugh when they admitted their "house fund" was mostly loose change. Instead, she opened a folder labeled . Alex and Maya spent the next month cleaning

Alex and Maya stood on the sidewalk of Maple Street, staring at a "For Sale" sign that felt more like a "Keep Out" sign. Like most first-time buyers, they had a steady income but a savings account that was barely recovering from their wedding. The dream of a backyard for their dog, Barnaby, felt anchored by a weight they didn’t have: a 20% down payment. Since they were looking at a quiet suburb