Best mortgage lenders for first-time homebuyers in 2023

With so many mortgage lenders out there, it can be challenging to know where to start, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. Bankrate looked closely at several key criteria to help narrow down the top mortgage lenders for first-timers, including what low down payment products or down payment assistance they offer, what first-time buyer programs they have, and other aspects that can help borrowers navigate the homebuying process.

Here is our guide to the best mortgage lenders for first-time homebuyers in 2023.

Best mortgage lenders for first-time homebuyers

Homefinity

Homefinity mortgage review

• Loan originators available around the clock, and borrowers communicate with same person from start to finish
• Real-time prequalification or same or next-day preapproval

Cardinal Financial mortgage review

• Works with affordable housing, first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance programs nationwide
• Offers specialized loan products

Cherry Creek Mortgage review

• Wide range of loan programs, including low-down payment options
• Helpful calculators to estimate homeownership costs
• Regularly updated and published rates

LowRates.com Mortgage review

• TRU Approval program provides complete credit underwriting in under 24 hours
• Closings in as few as 20 days
• Down payment assistance available to eligible borrowers

Renasant Bank Mortgage review

• Offers home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)
• Offers online payment feature
• More than 200 branches

U.S. Bank Mortgage review

• Gives eligible existing customers a closing cost credit up to $1,000
• Borrowers can apply online, in person or over the phone, depending on their preference

Valley Bank Mortgage review

• Rates updated daily for easy comparison
• Mobile app powers efficient digital experience
• Low refinance fees

Veterans United Home Loans mortgage review

• Can close as fast as 30-45 days
• No HELOCs or home equity loans

Wells Fargo mortgage review

• Will consider non-traditional credit references in the application process
• Offers low-down payment options to assist lower-income borrowers

Best mortgage lenders for first-time homebuyers

First-time homebuyer loan programs

There are many different kinds of loans to choose from when you’re a first-time homebuyer, including:

• Conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac – A loan that requires only 3 percent down, but also a minimum credit score of 620 (sometimes higher, depending on the lender) and other qualifying criteria
• FHA loans – A government-insured loan (and one of the easiest loans for first-timers to qualify for) that requires as little as 3.5 percent down if your credit score is 580 or higher, or 10 percent down if your credit score is between 500 and 579, and mandatory mortgage insurance
• VA loans – A government-guaranteed loan for military members, veterans and spouses that doesn’t require a down payment, but does require a funding fee
• USDA loans – A government loan ideal for moderate- to lower-income borrowers buying a home in a USDA-eligible rural area, with no down payment requirement
• Fannie Mae’s HomePath Ready Buyer Program – Offers 3 percent in closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers of foreclosed Fannie Mae properties, and requires completion of a buyer education course
• Good Neighbor Next Door – A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program that assists police officers, teachers, EMTs and firefighters with buying a home in certain areas
• FHA 203(k) – Allows you to borrow the funds you need to buy and fix up a home, all in one mortgage and with a low down payment requirement

The type of loan that’s best for you depends on many factors, including the amount you have saved for a down payment, your credit score and whether you work in a particular field or have served in the military.

First-time homebuyer grants and assistance

If you lack the funds for a down payment or closing costs, help is available, either by way of your mortgage lender or a local, federal or state housing authority or other organization.

One form of assistance for those who qualify is a first-time homebuyer grant. Grants are a one-time lump sum that helps cover your down payment or closing costs. Often, these grants do not have to be repaid if you stay in the home for a certain period of time or meet other criteria.

You can ask your lender what grants might be available to you, and also look for grants or other assistance programs in your area using Bankrate’s directory of first-time homebuyer programs by state.

In addition to grants, you might be a candidate for other financial resources as a first-time buyer, including:

• Low-interest loans, which must be repaid (unlike grants) over several years
• Forgivable loans, which do not have to be repaid once you pass a specific period of time, provided you stay in the home and stay up to date on your mortgage payments
• Deferred-payment loans, which usually need to be fully repaid, but don’t charge interest
• Savings match programs, in which a bank or other organization matches the amount you deposit with the institution

How to choose a mortgage lender as a first-time homebuyer

There are several different kinds of mortgage lenders you might come across in your search for a loan, including banks, credit unions and independent and non-depository institutions. You might also encounter mortgage brokers, who can help you uncover loan offers that’d be a good fit for you from a variety of lenders.

As you look for a lender, consider your goals and what you might value in your experience getting a mortgage. What kind of loan are you looking for? How long do you plan to stay in the area? Would you feel better with 24/7 support? Do you need access to homebuyer education? All of these questions and more can help you narrow down your choices.

Once you have a short list, shop around and compare mortgage offers before committing to one. Lenders include the APR (annual percentage rate), and interest rate on an offer, but you’ll really want to consider the APR, which reflects the actual cost of the mortgage. In general, the lower the APR, the cheaper the loan will be.

Methodology

To determine the best mortgage lenders for first-time homebuyers, Bankrate evaluated lenders based on several criteria, including affordability (APR, discounts and/or incentives); availability (approval/closing timelines, loan products); and experience (application process, customer service).