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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20% of aspiring homeowners think they’ll never save enough to buy. Can rent-to-own help?
Learn the pros and cons of a rent-to-own agreement.
9 min read Jun 24, 2025 -
FHA 203(k) loans: What they are and how they work
This type of mortgage lets you pay for a home and renovations with a single loan.
6 min read Jun 20, 2025 -
Documents needed for mortgage preapproval
Here’s a checklist of what you need to get a mortgage preapproval letter.
6 min read Jun 20, 2025 -
What is mortgage insurance?
While mortgage insurance primarily benefits the lender, it does serve a purpose for the borrower.
4 min read Jun 19, 2025 -
What is mortgage interest and how does it work?
Here’s everything to know about mortgage interest charges and rates.
5 min read Jun 18, 2025 -
What is the average down payment for first-time homebuyers?
The average down payment for first-time homebuyers is considerably less than the oft-quoted 20 percent down payment requirement.
6 min read Jun 10, 2025 -
How to improve your credit score for a mortgage
The higher your score, the better your approval chances, and the lower the interest rate.
7 min read Jun 09, 2025 -
What is collateral for a mortgage?
It’s usually the home you’re buying — and it’s on the line if you can’t repay the loan.
3 min read Jun 05, 2025 -
How to compare lenders for first-time homebuyers
Select the best mortgage lender for you with these tips.
7 min read Jun 03, 2025 -
What is a mortgage commitment letter and how does it help buy a home?
It means you’ve got financing to buy a home — probably. But it’s far from a done deal.
8 min read May 29, 2025
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