{"id":102589,"date":"2025-06-27T14:22:33","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T21:22:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=102589"},"modified":"2025-07-09T08:17:51","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T15:17:51","slug":"first-time-home-buyer-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/first-time-home-buyer-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"First-Time Home Buyer Benefits and How to Qualify"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Key takeaways:<\/b><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your first-time home buyer benefits include down payment and closing cost assistance, grants, tax benefits, and low-interest or forgivable loans.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eligibility depends on factors like income, location, home price, and use of an approved lender.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Federal, state, local, non\u2011profit, and lender\u2011sponsored programs can unlock these savings.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Purchasing your first home is a major investment, and it often comes with a number of surprises. If this next chapter in life feels out of reach, rest assured there\u2019s support available. There are a number of first-time home buyer benefits designed to make homeownership more affordable, from down payment assistance to tax credits and more.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re buying your first <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/11731\/MI\/Lansing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home in Lansing, MI<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/19459\/AZ\/Tucson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tucson, AZ<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, this guide will help you discover the benefits you can receive as a first-time home buyer and how to qualify. Let\u2019s get started.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"913\" height=\"630\" class=\"wp-image-102592\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474055477copy-913x630.jpg\" alt=\"Exterior of a house.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474055477copy-913x630.jpg 913w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474055477copy-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474055477copy-1024x707.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474055477copy-768x530.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474055477copy-217x150.jpg 217w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474055477copy-435x300.jpg 435w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474055477copy.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 913px) 100vw, 913px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-are-you-considered-a-first-time-home-buyer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you considered a first-time home buyer?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-who-offers-assistance-for-first-time-home-buyers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who offers assistance for first-time home buyers?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-first-time-home-buyer-benefits-and-programs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits and programs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-how-to-qualify-for-first-time-home-buyer-assistance\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to qualify for home buyer assistance<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-why-first-time-home-buyers-should-get-assistance\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why first-time home buyers should get assistance<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-the-bottom-line-on-first-time-home-buyer-benefits\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line on first-time home buyer benefits<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-frequently-asked-questions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-are-you-considered-a-first-time-home-buyer\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you considered a first-time home buyer?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>If you are buying a home for the first time or haven\u2019t owned a primary residence in the past three years, you\u2019re considered a first-time home buyer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few examples of who may be considered a first-time buyer:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ve never owned a home before.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You previously owned a home but haven\u2019t in the past three years.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You shared ownership with a spouse in the past, but are now buying solo.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ve been renting, living with family, or haven\u2019t held a mortgage in three years.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re buying in a designated redevelopment area, where some programs relax the rules (even for repeat buyers).<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note: The definition can vary slightly depending on the program, so don\u2019t rule yourself out too quickly. If you&#8217;re unsure, talk to a mortgage lender, housing counselor, or real estate agent.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-who-offers-assistance-for-first-time-home-buyers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who offers assistance for first-time home buyers?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First-time home buyer programs are available through a variety of local and national sources. Here are the main places to look:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><b>State and local housing agencies:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A lot of states and cities offer down payment assistance, grants, or low-interest loan programs through their housing finance agencies.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Federal programs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/types-of-home-loans-for-first-time-buyers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">types of home loans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/first-time-home-buyer-fha-loans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FHA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, VA, and USDA loans can make buying a home more affordable with low down payments or flexible credit requirements.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Nonprofit organizations:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Groups like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.neighborworks.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NeighborWorks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provide homebuyer education and financial support.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Banks and mortgage lenders:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many offer first-time buyer incentives, including reduced rates, special loan terms, or access to grant programs.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Credit unions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Member-focused lenders may offer more flexible terms and exclusive programs for qualified buyers.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-first-time-home-buyer-benefits-and-programs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First-time home buyer benefits and programs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-buy-a-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the first time comes with plenty of challenges, but there are also several benefits and programs designed to make the process more affordable. Here are some of the most common benefits available:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-down-payment-and-closing-cost-assistance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Down payment and closing cost assistance<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most common dilemmas for new buyers is coming up with enough cash upfront. Many programs offer low-interest or no-interest loans to cover <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/down-payment-assistance-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payments<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-are-closing-costs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">closing costs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In some cases, these loans are deferred until you sell the home (or even forgiven after a set number of years).<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-grants\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grants<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike loans, grants don\u2019t need to be repaid. These are typically offered by state or local governments and nonprofit organizations to help cover part of your down payment or closing costs. To qualify, you\u2019ll typically need to meet certain income limits or agree to live in the home for a specific period.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-government-backed-loans\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Government-backed loans<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Federal loan programs like FHA, VA, and USDA loans make it easier to qualify for a mortgage with a low down payment or less-than-perfect credit. This is especially helpful for buyers who do not meet conventional loan requirements. Let\u2019s break it down:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><b>FHA loans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> require as little as 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>VA loans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offer 0% down for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>USDA loans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provide 100% financing for homes in rural or suburban areas.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-tax-benefits\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tax Benefits<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some programs offer <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsha.org\/resource\/mortgage-credit-certificate-program-qa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mortgage Credit Certificates<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (MCCs), which let you claim a portion of your mortgage interest as a credit on your federal tax return.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-homebuyer-education\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Homebuyer education<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many assistance programs require or recommend completing a homebuyer education course. These workshops cover budgeting, understanding your mortgage, and maintaining your home.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"945\" height=\"630\" class=\"wp-image-102595\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2451794261-945x630.jpg\" alt=\"A couple with an agent looking over first-time home buyer benefits.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2451794261-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2451794261-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2451794261-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2451794261-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2451794261-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2451794261-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2451794261.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-how-to-find-assistance-programs-available-in-your-area\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to find assistance programs available in your area<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit your state or local Housing Finance Agency (HFA) website, which often lists available grants, loans, and down payment help.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) website for links to programs by state.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk to approved mortgage lenders or local real estate agents.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-how-to-qualify-for-first-time-home-buyer-assistance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to qualify for first-time home buyer assistance<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Qualifying for first-time home buyer assistance depends on the program and your location. While each program has its own rules, these are some common requirements you\u2019re likely to see:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><b>Income and home price limits:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many programs are designed for low- to moderate-income buyers, so your earnings (and sometimes the price of the home you&#8217;re buying) may need to fall within a specific range. Check your state\u2019s Housing Finance Agency via the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsha.org\/housing-help\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Council of State Housing Agencies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> site.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>First-time buyer status:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Most programs require that you haven\u2019t owned a primary residence in the past three years. However, some options are available to repeat buyers under special conditions (i.e. purchasing in a redevelopment area).<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Eligible occupation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Certain programs are designed for people in helping professions (i.e. teachers, nurses, and firefighters). These often come with additional savings or housing discounts.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Completion of a homebuyer education course:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A homebuyer class is commonly required to qualify for grants, loans, or down payment assistance. Even when it\u2019s optional, it\u2019s a smart move.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Use of an approved lender:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you&#8217;re applying for a state or local housing program, you\u2019ll usually need to go through a lender that\u2019s authorized to work with that program.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-why-first-time-home-buyers-should-get-assistance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why first-time home buyers should get assistance<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without the advantage of home equity or years of savings, getting into the market can feel out of reach. Here is why support for first-time home buyers matters, and why it benefits everyone:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><b>Home prices are steep.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> With today\u2019s housing costs and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/mortgage-rates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">interest rates<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, saving up for a down payment isn\u2019t easy, especially when starting out.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Many buyers have limited savings.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> First-time buyers often haven\u2019t built up equity or long-term savings yet.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Homeownership builds wealth.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Buying a home helps you build equity and invest in your future.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>It supports the <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/us-housing-market\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b>housing market<\/b><\/a><b>.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Starter homes make room for others to move up, keeping the housing market healthy and active.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>It strengthens communities.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Homeownership encourages long-term neighborhood involvement and stability.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-102598 size-blog-post\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474238774-1009x630.jpg\" alt=\"The outside of a yellow house.\" width=\"1009\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474238774-1009x630.jpg 1009w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474238774-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474238774-1024x639.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474238774-768x479.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474238774-240x150.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474238774-481x300.jpg 481w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_474238774.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1009px) 100vw, 1009px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-the-bottom-line-on-first-time-home-buyer-benefits\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line on first-time home buyer benefits<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying your first home is a huge step and yes, it can feel overwhelming. But the good news is, you don\u2019t have to do it alone. First-time home buyer programs are here to help, offering everything from down payment assistance and low-interest loans to educational tools.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re wondering how to buy your first home, a great place to start is by exploring what <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/first-time-home-buyer-programs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time home buyer programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are available in your state. A trusted lender or real estate agent can walk you through your options and help you figure out what fits your budget and lifestyle.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently asked questions<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-is-there-an-income-level-to-qualify\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is there an income level to qualify?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, many first-time home buyer programs have income limits. These vary depending on where you live and the size of your household. Normally, these limits are designed to help low and moderate-income buyers, so you may still qualify if you earn a steady income.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To find current income limits, check your state\u2019s Housing Financing Agency (HFA) website, which can be found on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncsha.org\/housing-help\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Council of State Housing Agencies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> site.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-can-you-qualify-for-a-first-time-home-buyer-loan-if-you-have-student-loans\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you qualify for a first-time home buyer loan if you have student loans?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having student loans doesn\u2019t automatically disqualify you. Lenders will consider your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/definition\/debtto-income-ratio\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">debt-to-income ratio<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to see if you can comfortably manage a mortgage along with your other monthly payments.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-are-there-any-federal-or-state-tax-credits-for-first-time-buyers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are there any federal or state tax credits for first-time buyers?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s no federal tax credit available right now, but some states and local governments offer tax incentives. It\u2019s worth checking with your state\u2019s housing agency to see what\u2019s available near you.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-what-is-the-15-000-first-time-homebuyer-tax-credit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the $15,000 first-time home buyer tax credit?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This proposed <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/homebuyer.com\/learn\/15000-first-time-home-buyer-tax-credit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time home buyer tax credit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> would give eligible buyers 10% of the home\u2019s purchase price (up to $15,000) as a refundable credit to help cover down payment or be claimed on tax returns. While widely discussed, this specific federal tax credit has not been enacted.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-how-much-do-i-need-for-a-down-payment-on-a-house\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much do I need for a down payment on a house?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It varies depending on your financial position, goals, and loan type. While 20% is preferred by lenders, many first-time home buyer programs now allow for much lower down payments.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b><i>&gt;&gt;Read: <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-much-down-payment-for-a-house\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b><i>Down Payment on a House: How Much Do You Really Need?<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Purchasing your first home is a massive investment that can come with a number of surprises, but rest assured there\u2019s support available. In this guide, we\u2019ll discuss first-time home buyer benefits and how you can qualify.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":816,"featured_media":102592,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34276],"tags":[34617],"coauthors":[36415],"class_list":["post-102589","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-home","tag-home-buying-process"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>First-Time Home Buyer Benefits and How to Qualify | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What benefits and programs are available to first-time home buyers? 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