Here are 22 different ways to buy a home with no money down:
- 1. VA Loan: If you are a veteran, active-duty service member, or eligible surviving spouse, you may qualify for a VA loan, which offers a no-money-down option.
- 2. USDA Loan: The USDA offers a rural housing loan program that provides 100% financing for eligible borrowers who are purchasing a home in a designated rural area.
- 3. FHA Loan: While an FHA loan requires a minimum 3.5% down payment, there are options for getting this down payment covered. For example, some lenders offer down payment assistance programs or grants.
- 4. Home Possible Program: The Home Possible program is offered by Freddie Mac and provides up to 97% financing for low- and moderate-income borrowers.
- 5. Good Neighbor Next Door: This program, offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides a 50% discount on the list price of a home in designated revitalization areas for eligible law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians.
- 6. Down Payment Assistance Programs: Some states and localities offer down payment assistance programs that can help with a portion or all of the down payment.
- 7. Owner Financing: In some cases, a seller may be willing to finance the purchase of a home directly to the buyer, allowing them to make payments over time instead of a lump-sum down payment.
- 8. Lease-to-Own: A lease-to-own option allows the buyer to rent the home for a specified period, with a portion of the rent going towards the eventual down payment.
- 9. Borrowing from Retirement Accounts: Certain retirement accounts, such as a 401(k), may allow you to borrow money for a down payment without penalty.
- 10. Crowdfunding: Some homebuyers have successfully crowdfunded their down payment by using online platforms to solicit donations from family, friends, and acquaintances.
- 11. Sweat Equity: Some programs allow homebuyers to use sweat equity, or labor performed on the home, in lieu of a cash down payment.
- 12. Partnerships: Co-ownership of a property with a friend or family member can help split the down payment and reduce the upfront cost for both parties.
- 13. Gift from Family: A family member may be willing to gift you the down payment amount, which is allowable in some cases.
- 14. Low- or No-Interest Loans: Some organizations offer low- or no-interest loans to help homebuyers with their down payment.
- 15. Community Land Trusts: Community land trusts are non-profit organizations that offer affordable homeownership opportunities, including some with no down payment requirement.
- 16. Rent-to-Own: A rent-to-own agreement allows the buyer to rent the property for a specified period, with a portion of the rent going towards the eventual down payment.
- 17. Closing Cost Assistance: Some programs offer assistance with closing costs, which can help reduce the overall upfront cost of buying a home.
- 18. First-Time Homebuyer Programs: Some state or local government programs offer assistance to first-time homebuyers, including down payment assistance.
- 19. Lender Credits: Some lenders offer credits towards the down payment or closing costs, reducing the upfront cost for the buyer.
- 20. Home Equity Line of Credit: If you already own a home, you may be able to use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to finance the down payment on a new home.
- 21. Credit Unions: Some credit unions offer specialized mortgage programs that may offer no down payment options.
- 22. Non-Occupying Co-Borrower: A non-occupying co-borrower, such as a parent or grandparent, may be able to help you qualify for a no-money-down mortgage by co-signing on the