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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What is an FHA mortgage insurance premium?
It’s an extra expense — the price you pay for the FHA loan’s generosity.
4 min read Jul 02, 2024 -
Documents needed for mortgage preapproval
Here’s a checklist of what you need to get a mortgage preapproval letter.
7 min read Jun 27, 2024 -
How to improve your credit score for a mortgage
The higher your score, the better your approval chances, and the lower the interest rate.
5 min read Jun 24, 2024 -
Guide to no-down payment mortgages: Am I eligible?
Some options if you want a house but your savings are small.
6 min read Jun 24, 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 -
How much is a down payment on a house?
The down payment question may sound like a simple one, but it has many answers.
10 min read Jun 19, 2024 -
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.
7 min read Jun 18, 2024 -
How much is an FHA loan down payment?
These loans are made for folks who are struggling to afford a home of their own.
5 min read Jun 13, 2024 -
How to find the best FHA mortgage lender
You’ll need to do a bit of legwork to find a good fit, but it’s worth it to get one of these loans.
8 min read Jun 10, 2024 -
78% of aspiring homeowners say affordability is a challenge. Here are the complete costs of buying a home
The cost of buying a house goes far beyond just the mortgage payment.
9 min read Jun 10, 2024
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