{"id":104109,"date":"2025-07-30T13:42:31","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T20:42:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=104109"},"modified":"2025-10-15T10:00:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T17:00:09","slug":"first-time-homebuyer-qualifications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/first-time-homebuyer-qualifications\/","title":{"rendered":"First-Time Homebuyer Qualifications: A Beginner\u2019s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key takeaways:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><b>First-time homebuyer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Anyone who hasn\u2019t owned a primary residence in the past three years<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Common first-time homebuyer qualifications:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Credit score, debt-to-income ratio, down payment, income limits, employment history, purchase limits, homebuyer education<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying your first home? It\u2019s an exciting time, but before you start dreaming about moving in, it\u2019s important to understand first-time homebuyer qualifications. These are key criteria lenders and programs use to determine if you\u2019re eligible for financing and special perks like down payment assistance.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this Redfin article, we\u2019ll be going over what counts as a first-time buyer, what qualifications you\u2019ll typically need to meet, and how to get your finances in shape for your home purchase. Whether you\u2019re purchasing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/7163\/NE\/Lincoln\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">home in Lincoln, NE<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/9406\/CT\/Hartford\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">Hartford, CT<\/a>, this guide will help you navigate the process with ease. 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=\"945\" height=\"630\" class=\"wp-image-104149\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_136580753-945x630.jpg\" alt=\"A small green house exterior\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_136580753-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_136580753-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_136580753-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_136580753-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_136580753-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_136580753-scaled.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_136580753-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_136580753-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><\/figure>\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-do-you-qualify-as-a-first-time-homebuyer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you qualify as a first-time homebuyer?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-additional-first-time-homebuyer-qualifications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional qualifications<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-loans-and-programs-for-first-time-buyers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loans and programs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-benefits-of-being-a-first-time-home-buyer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits of being a first-time homebuyer<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-what-are-the-next-steps-to-qualifying\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the next steps?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><a href=\"#h-faqs-first-time-homebuyer-qualifications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-do-you-qualify-as-a-first-time-homebuyer\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you qualify as a first-time homebuyer?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Put simply, <\/span><b>a first-time homebuyer is anyone who hasn\u2019t owned a primary residence in the past three years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While this is the standard definition, there are other factors that could qualify you for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/first-time-home-buyer-benefits\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time buyer benefits<\/span><\/a><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;\">You might also qualify as a first-time homebuyer if:<\/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<\/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\u2019ve shared ownership with a spouse, but are now <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/why-buy\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buying a home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> solo<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ve been living with family or renting<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You 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 owned property that violates local or state building codes and can\u2019t be brought into compliance<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-additional-first-time-homebuyer-qualifications\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional first-time homebuyer qualifications<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For first-time homebuyer loans and programs, there are a number of other factors that will help you qualify.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-credit-score\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Credit score<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/what-credit-score-is-needed-to-buy-a-house\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">credit score<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of 620 or higher is ideal for most programs, greatly impacting your eligibility and the interest rates. Start by obtaining a credit report and disputing any errors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you need to improve your score, focus on paying your bills on time, paying down debt, and avoiding new credit.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-debt-to-income-ratio\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Debt-to-income ratio<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/buy\/calculate-debt-to-income-ratio\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">debt-to-income ratio<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> measures how much of your monthly income goes towards paying debts. Most lenders prefer a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio lower than 43%.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To assess your DTI, lenders often use the 28\/36 rule: first-time homebuyers should not spend more than 28% of their income on housing costs, and their total debt should not exceed 36% of their annual income. To lower your ratio, focus on paying down high-interest debt and exploring options to increase your income, such as a side hustle or negotiating a raise.<\/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\/what-percentage-of-your-income-should-go-toward-your-mortgage\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b><i>What Percentage of Your Income Should Go Toward Your Mortgage?<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-down-payment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Down payment<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many programs will have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-much-down-payment-for-a-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">down payment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> requirement. This varies depending on the program, but a higher down payment will help you qualify for better terms and help with eligibility. To save for a down payment, consider budgeting, automatic savings, and cutting unnecessary expenses.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-income-limit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Income limit<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some first-time homebuyer programs have income limits. Typically, these are based on location, household size, and area median income (AMI). Check the requirements of your specific program to see if you qualify.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-employment-history\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employment history<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lenders typically look for two years of steady employment to verify income stability. It doesn\u2019t have to be with the same employer, but gaps in employment or frequent job changes might require an explanation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-purchase-limit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Purchase limit<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, many programs have limits on the home price to ensure affordability. These vary by program and location, so it\u2019s best to check with program guidelines and lenders to see if it\u2019s a good fit.<\/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 first-time buyer programs require completion of an education course covering topics like budgeting, credit, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/house-hunting-tips\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">house hunting<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and closing. Even if it\u2019s not mandatory, homebuyer education programs can be beneficial for new buyers, helping them make informed decisions throughout the homebuying journey.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-loans-and-programs-for-first-time-buyers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loans and programs for first-time buyers<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<table id=\"tablepress-133\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-133\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Loan<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Who qualifies<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Minimum down payment<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Minimum credit score<\/th><th class=\"column-5\">Key qualifications<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Conventional loans<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Borrowers with good credit and stable income<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">3%<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">620<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Strong credit, steady income, low DTI ratio<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">FHA loans<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Borrowers with lower credit scores and limited savings<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">3.5%<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">580 for 3.5% down; 500 with 10% down<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Primary residence, mortgage insurance required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">VA loans<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Eligible U.S. veterans, service members, and family members<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0%<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">None (lenders prefer 620)<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Valid VA certificate, primary residence only, no mortgage insurance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">USDA loans<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Low-to-moderate income borrowers in rural and suburban areas<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">0%<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">620<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Home in <a href=\"https:\/\/eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov\/eligibility\/welcomeAction.do\" target=\"_blank\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">eligible area<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov\/eligibility\/incomeEligibilityAction.do?pageAction=state\" target=\"_blank\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">income limits<\/a> apply<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Fannie Mae\/Freddie Mac<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Low-income and moderate-credit borrowers<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">3%<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">620 (HomeReady); 660 (Home Possible)<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Income limits, primary residence, mortgage insurance if less than 20% down<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">First-time homebuyer programs<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Often first-time homebuyers with limited income (varies)<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Varies<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Varies<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">Income\/credit limits, often combined with FHA or conventional<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-133 from cache --><\/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-long-should-you-live-in-a-house-before-selling\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b><i>6 Types of Home Loans for First-Time Buyers<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-benefits-of-being-a-first-time-home-buyer\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits of being a first-time home buyer<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><b>Access to specialized loans and programs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Unlike repeat buyers, first-time homebuyers frequently qualify for mortgage products with more lenient requirements.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Down payment and closing cost assistance:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Upfront costs can be a major barrier, but grants, loans, and other programs can help cover these expenses.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Potential tax benefits:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You might qualify for mortgage interest deductions or first-time homebuyer tax credits, which can lower your taxable income.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Opportunity to build equity and long-term wealth:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Owning a home allows you to build equity over time, turning monthly payments into a long-term investment.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Stability and predictable housing costs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly housing payment stays consistent, unlike rising rent.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><b>Homebuyer education:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many first-time homebuyer programs offer free educational resources or required courses that walk you through the whole <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-buying-process-timeline\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">homebuying process<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-104153 size-blog-post\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2111420807-945x630.jpg\" alt=\"Checking finances\" width=\"945\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2111420807-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2111420807-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2111420807-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2111420807-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2111420807-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2111420807-scaled.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2111420807-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shutterstock_2111420807-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-what-are-the-next-steps-to-qualifying\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the next steps to qualifying?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you understand the basics of qualifying, it\u2019s time to start preparing. Here are the key steps:<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-1-save-for-a-down-payment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Save for a down payment<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set aside savings to make your offer more attractive and reduce your monthly mortgage.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-2-review-your-credit-score\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Review your credit score<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upon review, dispute any errors you find. If you still need to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-credit-score-to-buy-a-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">improve your credit score<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, pay all your bills on time and reduce your credit card debt and utilization.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-3-pay-outstanding-debts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Pay outstanding debts<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on paying high-interest balances and avoid taking on new debt. This will show lenders you\u2019re a reliable borrower.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-4-build-your-emergency-savings\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Build your emergency savings<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can cover unexpected expenses like repairs, medical bills, and job changes, so you\u2019re financially secure even after closing.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-5-prepare-all-your-paperwork\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Prepare all your paperwork<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start gathering everything you\u2019ll need. This usually includes pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, proof of employment, and identification.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-6-research-loan-options-and-get-pre-approved\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Research loan options and get pre-approved<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explore programs dedicated to first-time homebuyers like conventional, FHA, and state-specific assistance. Next, get pre-approved to understand what you can afford before the home search.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-7-find-a-real-estate-agent\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Find a real estate agent<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/real-estate-agents\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help you navigate listings, schedule showings, negotiate offers, and guide you through the homebuying process with local expertise.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"h-faqs-first-time-homebuyer-qualifications\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs: First-time homebuyer qualifications<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-can-you-qualify-as-a-first-time-homebuyer-more-than-once\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you qualify as a first-time homebuyer more than once?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, no. However there are some exceptions including single parents and displaced homemakers where previous owners may still qualify. Find out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/when-are-you-considered-a-first-time-home-buyer-again\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\">when you are considered a first-time homebuyer again<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-can-you-be-considered-a-first-time-homebuyer-if-you-own-an-investment-property\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you be considered a first-time homebuyer if you own an investment property?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. As long as you haven\u2019t owned a <\/span><b>primary residence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the last three years. A primary residence is where you live the majority of the year and is typically tied to your legal address for things like taxes, voter registration, driver\u2019s license \u2013 not investment properties or vacation homes.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-what-income-do-i-need-as-a-first-time-homebuyer\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What income do I need as a first-time homebuyer?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s no single income requirement to qualify as a first-time homebuyer. It all depends on your loan program and home prices in your area. Some programs have income limits based on household size and local median income, while others are more flexible.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-what-if-i-owned-a-home-jointly-with-someone-else-in-the-past\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What if I owned a home jointly with someone else in the past?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If it wasn\u2019t your principal residence, or if you were a co-signer but not an owner, you might still qualify.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-does-first-time-homebuyer-eligibility-vary-by-state\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does first-time homebuyer eligibility vary by state?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Many state and local programs have their own eligibility requirements, income limits, and purchase price caps. These vary widely based on location, so check with your state\u2019s housing finance agency or a local lender for more information.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 id=\"h-how-do-i-find-first-time-homebuyer-programs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do I find first-time homebuyer programs?<\/span><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start by checking your state or local housing finance agency. They frequently help with down payment assistance, grants, or special loan programs for first-time buyers. You can also explore national options like FHA, VA, or USDA loans.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a broad overview, check out Redfin\u2019s guide to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/first-time-home-buyer-programs\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first-time homebuyer programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that covers available options by state and loan type.<\/span><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Buying your first home? It\u2019s an exciting time, but before you start dreaming about moving in, it\u2019s important to think about first-time homebuyer qualifications. In this article, we\u2019ll be going over what counts as a first-time buyer and what qualifications you\u2019ll typically need to meet.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":816,"featured_media":104149,"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":[34629],"coauthors":[36415],"class_list":["post-104109","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-home","tag-first-time-homebuyer"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>First-time Homebuyer Qualifications: A Beginner\u2019s Guide | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What are the qualifications for first-time homebuyers? 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