First Buyer Loans

What would your payment be?

Principal and interest, taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance in one monthly figure. Then see what rate you actually qualify for.

Home price

Down payment 5%

Interest rate

This week's average, Freddie Mac PMMS (Oct 8)

Loan term

Taxes, insurance and HOA

Property tax

% / yr

Home insurance

$/ yr

HOA

$/ mo

Estimated monthly payment $0

Principal & interest: $0
Property tax: $0
Home insurance: $0
Mortgage insurance (PMI): $0
HOA: $0

Loan of $0 · $0 in interest over the life of the loan. An estimate: your rate depends on your credit, the lender and the day.

Free, no obligation. A licensed lender in your state gets in touch with real numbers.

Your First Home Starts Here

Programs

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Florida

Oct 7, 2026 • 7 min read

Florida's main help for first-time buyers is a state second mortgage that covers part of your down payment and closing costs. You have three choices: up to...

Programs

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Texas

Oct 4, 2026 • 12 min read

If you are buying your first Texas home within the next year, almost all of the down payment help available to you comes from three places: two state...

Mortgages

Should You Spend Your Full Pre-Approval Amount

Oct 1, 2026 • 5 min read

Usually not. A pre-approval tells you the most a lender is willing to lend. In practice that is the largest payment your debt-to-income ratio allows, not...

Mortgages

Self-Employed Mortgage Pre-Approval and What It Takes

Sep 28, 2026 • 10 min read

If you freelance, drive for an app, take 1099 work or own a small business, a lender will qualify you on the net income on your tax returns, usually...

Mortgages

What It Actually Takes to Qualify for a Conventional Loan in 2026

Sep 25, 2026 • 5 min read

To get a conventional loan in 2026, most lenders still want a credit score of about 620 or higher. You also need at least 3% down on a home you...

Mortgages

What It Actually Takes to Qualify for an FHA Loan in 2026

Sep 21, 2026 • 5 min read

A 580 credit score and 3.5 percent down is the version of the FHA loan almost everyone means when they say "FHA loan." Score between 500 and 579 and the...

Programs

First-Time Homebuyer Programs Worth Applying For in 2026

Sep 18, 2026 • 17 min read

The program you are searching for is almost always two programs. One is a first mortgage that sets your down payment floor: FHA, VA, USDA or conventional....

Programs

You Have Until September 30 to Apply for This $13,500 Homebuyer Grant

Sep 14, 2026 • 6 min read

If you have not yet spoken to a housing counselor at a National Urban League affiliate, call one today and leave the application for later. You cannot reach...

Mortgages

Credit Score Secrets for Mortgage Approval

Jan 19, 2026 • 24 min read

You've been told the basics: pay your bills on time, keep your balances low, and don't open too many accounts. But if you're serious about securing the best...

Markets

What's the Best First-Time Buyer Loan for You?

Jan 16, 2026 • 15 min read

Searching for first time home buyer loans can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. With hundreds of programs available across federal, state, and local...

Markets

Forgivable Grant Programs for Your Down Payment

Jan 12, 2026 • 6 min read

You've probably heard about FHA loans and maybe even state housing authority programs. But here's what most first-time buyers don't realize: there are...

Credit

5 Credit Card Traps Killing Your Mortgage Chances

Jan 11, 2026 • 7 min read

You've been diligently saving for a down payment, researching neighborhoods, and dreaming about paint colors for your future living room. But there's a...

Mortgages

First Time Home Buyer Zero Down Options

Jan 7, 2026 • 6 min read

The down payment. It's the single biggest roadblock standing between most first-time buyers and the keys to their new home. While the traditional advice of...

Savings

Side Hustle Savings Plan

Jan 6, 2026 • 11 min read

The math is simple but daunting: the average first-time homebuyer needs between $30,000 and $60,000 for a down payment, depending on their market and loan...

Markets

Break Even House Calculator for Renting vs Buying

Jan 6, 2026 • 7 min read

The decision to rent or buy a home represents one of the most significant financial choices you'll ever make. For first-time home buyers, this analysis goes...

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