First-Time Homebuyers
If you’re new to buying a home, here’s what you can expect and how to navigate the process
Latest First-Time Homebuyer Articles
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Mortgage approval may get a little easier in 2025
Changes to Fannie Mae’s criteria may open a pathway to homeownership for some buyers.
5 min read Dec 13, 2024 -
Even with pay raises, younger homebuyers struggle with affordability
Even with a pay raise, homeownership has moved further out of reach for younger generations.
5 min read Dec 09, 2024 -
Can you buy a home while carrying credit card debt?
You can, but a lot depends on credit utilization. Here’s what that means and how it factors into getting a mortgage.
4 min read Nov 04, 2024 -
The secret to getting a mortgage as a single person: Your lender
Is it harder to get a mortgage if you’re single?
4 min read Jul 08, 2024 -
I chose this type of mortgage lender to buy my first home — and it was the best decision I made
Bankrate editor Laurie Richards shares why she worked with a local mortgage lender to buy her first home.
4 min read Jun 20, 2024 -
First-time homebuyer statistics 2024
Find out how first-time homebuyers stack up in terms of age, race and ethnicity and more.
2 min read Feb 28, 2024 -
How to make an offer on a house
How to make a successful offer on a house, and what to avoid.
7 min read Dec 06, 2023 -
Buying amid affordability squeeze? Here’s how homebuyers can cope
If you’re stretching to buy a home, here are some tips.
7 min read May 23, 2022 -
Where in the U.S. do homes sell the fastest? Top cities with fewest days on market
As properties fly off the market at lightning speed, buyers must be ready to compete.
3 min read Apr 29, 2022
First-Time Homebuyer Programs by State
- Find your state's first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- Arizona first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- California first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- Florida first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- New Jersey first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- North Carolina first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- Pennsylvania first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- Tennessee first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- Texas first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- Washington first-time homebuyer grants and programs
Get guidance
- First-time homebuyer guide
- First-time homebuyer qualifications
- First-time homebuyer grants
- Tips for first-time homebuyers
- Avoid first-time homebuyer mistakes
- First-time homebuyer classes
- First-time homebuyer tax credit
- First-time homebuyer down payment
- How to compare lenders as a first-time homebuyer